Celebratory Displays along with a Toast for Life: Israeli Citizens Rejoice at Agreement to Return Captives
The announcement regarding a deal expected to result in the freeing of hostages held within Gaza for more than 24 months has generated joy and relief throughout Israel.
A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.
The deal—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.
To date, 148 hostages have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages have been rescued.
Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square
Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered ahead of the deal being signed.
The gathering started applauding and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee displaying a sign that read: “We love Trump.”
“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.
A different person, 50-year-old Yael, cried while observing the people celebrating.
“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We must witness their return home to their families.”
- REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza deal
- Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark the agreement
- ANALYSIS: Significant progress, though conflict continues
Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics
The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the announcement that he would be returned home.
“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her child.
Viki Cohen, the mother of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My son, you are returning home.”
The delight was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the news.
Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then toasting “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 dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You are coming back.”
The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for an agreement which ensures the return of all those still detained 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 stated he felt “broken” that his cousin would not be among those returning home yet felt “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are finally returning.
Eitan Horn was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling.
Guarded Hope from Family Members
Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she experienced as if she were in “a dream state”.
“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished for us. We feel like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.
However, she warned that it was still too soon to celebrate.
“Until the last hostage is here, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she said.
“Numerous events can happen up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is safely home.”
Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.
Related Developments
- ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
- Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord
Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | The group