Celebratory Displays along with a Toast for Life: Israelis Delight at Deal to Return Captives
The announcement of an agreement projected to lead to the freeing of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for over two years has caused joy and comfort across Israel.
A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.
The deal—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release 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 plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.
To date, 148 captives have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.
Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square
Joyous gatherings took place at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled before the agreement’s signing.
A crowd started applauding and moving to music beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a sign that read: “We love Trump.”
“This is a wondrous day,” the woman said.
Another, 50-year-old Yael, wept as she watched the people celebrating.
“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We must witness their return home to their loved ones.”
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Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks
The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the news that he would be returned home.
“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her child.
Viki Cohen, the parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”
The joy was palpable in the streets in Tel Aviv after the announcement.
Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then cheering “To life”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.
Their brother Liran Berman posted: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You are coming back.”
The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in advocating for an agreement which ensures the homecoming of everyone still being held within Gaza.
“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he said.
He said he was “shattered” that Carmel will not be among those returning to their homes yet felt “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the hostages who are finally coming back.
Eitan Horn was seized from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south along with his brother.
Cautious Optimism from Relatives
Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she experienced like she was living “in a dream”.
“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has done for us. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.
But she cautioned that it was still too early to rejoice.
“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.
“So many things might occur until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and ensure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is safely home.”
Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was released from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.
Associated Updates
- ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza peace deal
- What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal
Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas
