Celebratory Displays along with a Cheer to Life: Israelis Rejoice over Deal to Return Captives
The declaration regarding a deal expected to result in the release of hostages detained within Gaza for more than two years has generated joy and relief across the nation.
A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.
The agreement—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.
To date, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages were freed by rescue.
Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square
Jubilant scenes have unfolded in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered ahead of the agreement’s signing.
A crowd began clapping and dancing beneath US and Israeli flags—one woman displaying a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”
“This is a wondrous day,” the woman said.
Another, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the crowd dancing.
“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We need to see their return home to their loved ones.”
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Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics
The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news that he would be returned home.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her daughter.
Viki Cohen, the parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My child, you are coming home.”
The delight was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the news.
Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “for life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.
Their brother Liran Berman wrote: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You’re coming home.”
The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal which ensures the homecoming of everyone still being held in Gaza.
“I hardly believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for so long and now it’s here,” he expressed.
He stated he was “broken” that his cousin would not be among those coming back to their homes yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are finally returning.
Eitan Horn was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother.
Guarded Hope from Relatives
Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she experienced as if she were in “a dream state”.
“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has done for us. We feel like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.
But she cautioned that it remained too soon to rejoice.
“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she affirmed.
“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant so this is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only once we have the last hostage back home.”
Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was freed from detainment through a truce agreement earlier in the year.
Related Developments
- ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza agreement
- What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal
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