Celebratory Displays along with a Cheer for Life: Israeli Citizens Delight over Deal to Return Hostages
The declaration regarding a deal projected to result in the release of hostages detained within Gaza for over two years has generated joy and comfort across the nation.
An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.
The agreement—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.
To date, 148 hostages have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.
Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square
Joyous gatherings took place in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered ahead of the deal being signed.
The gathering started applauding and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a sign saying: “We adore Trump.”
“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.
A different person, Yael, aged 50, wept as she watched the people celebrating.
“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We need to see their return home to their families.”
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Families Celebrate with Fireworks
The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news that he would be returned home.
“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her child.
Viki Cohen, the mother of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My son, you are returning home.”
The delight was palpable in the streets in Tel Aviv after the news.
Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then toasting “L’chaim”, 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 are coming back.”
The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, with her remains recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in advocating for a deal that brings the return of all those still being held within Gaza.
“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he expressed.
He said he was “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those returning home but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are finally returning.
Eitan Horn was seized from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother.
Guarded Hope from Family Members
Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she felt as if she were in “a dream state”.
“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has done on our behalf. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.
However, she warned that it remained too early 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.
“So many things can happen up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is safely home.”
Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was released from detainment through a truce agreement earlier in the year.
Related Developments
- ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
- What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord
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