Celebratory Displays and a Cheer to Life: Israeli Citizens Delight at Agreement to Return Captives
The declaration of an agreement expected to result in the release captives detained in the Gaza Strip for over 24 months has caused delight and comfort throughout the nation.
A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli captives in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.
The deal—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.
To date, 148 hostages have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.
Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square
Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled before the deal being signed.
A crowd began clapping and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee displaying a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”
“This is a wondrous day,” the woman said.
A different person, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the crowd dancing.
“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We must witness their return home to their loved ones.”
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Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics
The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending homecoming.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her daughter.
Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My son, you are returning home.”
The joy could be felt throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv after the announcement.
Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then toasting “To life”, which means “to life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.
Their sibling Liran Berman wrote: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You’re coming home.”
The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for an agreement which ensures the return of everyone still detained within Gaza.
“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and here it is,” he expressed.
He stated he was “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those coming back home but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last returning.
Eitan Horn was seized from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling.
Cautious Optimism from Family Members
Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she felt as if she were in “a dream state”.
“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she said.
But she cautioned that it remained too early to celebrate.
“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she said.
“Numerous events can happen up to the final instant 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 make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is safely home.”
Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was released from captivity through a truce agreement earlier this year.
Associated Updates
- ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza peace deal
- Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal
Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | The group
