Celebratory Displays and a Cheer for Life: Israeli Citizens Delight over Agreement to Return Captives

The announcement regarding a deal projected to lead to the freeing of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has caused joy and comfort throughout the nation.

An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli captives held in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

So far, 148 hostages have been returned—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered ahead of the agreement’s signing.

A crowd started applauding and dancing beneath US and Israeli flags—one woman displaying a sign saying: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, cried as she watched the people celebrating.

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We need to see them come back home to their families.”

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Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending homecoming.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her daughter.

Viki Cohen, the parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My child, you are coming home.”

The joy could be felt in the streets in Tel Aviv following the news.

Freed Hostages 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 “to life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You’re coming home.”

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal which ensures the return of everyone still being held within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for so long and here it is,” he said.

He stated he was “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those returning to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are finally returning.

Eitan Horn was seized from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling.

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she experienced like she was living “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and all he has accomplished for us. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it was still too early to celebrate.

“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she said.

“Numerous events might occur until the last moment so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage back home.”

Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was released from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas