Celebratory Displays along with a Toast for Life: Israelis Rejoice over Deal to Return Captives
The announcement regarding a deal projected to lead to the freeing captives detained within Gaza for more than 24 months has caused joy and relief across Israel.
A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.
The agreement—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.
To date, 148 captives have come back—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved and eight hostages have been rescued.
Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square
Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled before the agreement’s signing.
A crowd started applauding and moving to music under American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”
“This is a wondrous day,” the woman said.
Another, Yael, aged 50, wept as she watched the crowd dancing.
“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We must witness them come back home to their loved ones.”
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Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks
The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the announcement that he would be homecoming.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her daughter.
Viki Cohen, the mother of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My child, you are coming home.”
The delight could be felt in the streets in Tel Aviv following the news.
Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.
Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You are coming back.”
The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing 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 here it is,” he expressed.
He stated he was “shattered” that his cousin will not be among those returning home but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the hostages who are finally returning.
Eitan Horn was seized from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling.
Guarded Hope from Family Members
Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she felt like she was living “a dream state”.
“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has accomplished for us. We feel that this could be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.
But she cautioned that it remained 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 can happen until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to thank everyone who was involved in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate 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 detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.
Associated Updates
- ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza agreement
- What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord
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