Celebratory Displays and a Toast to Life: Israelis Rejoice at Agreement Bringing Back Captives
The announcement of an agreement expected to lead to the release captives detained within Gaza for more than 24 months has caused delight and relief across Israel.
A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.
The agreement—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.
So far, 148 hostages have come back—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.
Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square
Joyous gatherings have unfolded in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.
The gathering began clapping and moving to music beneath US and Israeli flags—one woman displaying a placard saying: “We love Trump.”
“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.
A different person, 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 mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the announcement that he would be homecoming.
“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her daughter.
Viki Cohen, the parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My son, you are returning home.”
The delight could be felt throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the announcement.
Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, meaning “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.
Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You are coming back.”
The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for an agreement that brings the return of everyone still detained in Gaza.
“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for such a long time and here it is,” he said.
He stated he was “broken” that his cousin would not be among those coming back home yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are at last returning.
Eitan Horn was taken 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, said she felt like she was living “a dream state”.
“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished for us. We feel that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she said.
But she cautioned that it was still too soon to celebrate.
“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she affirmed.
“Numerous events can happen until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the efforts and make sure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only once we have the last hostage back home.”
Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from detainment through a truce agreement earlier this year.
Associated Updates
- ‘Historic chance’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza agreement
- Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord
Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | Hamas
