Celebratory Displays along with a Cheer for Life: Israelis Rejoice over Agreement Bringing Back Captives
The announcement of an agreement projected to result in the freeing captives detained in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has caused joy and comfort throughout the nation.
An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.
The agreement—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.
To date, 148 captives have come back—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.
Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square
Joyous gatherings have unfolded in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered before the deal being signed.
A crowd started applauding and dancing under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a placard saying: “We adore Trump.”
“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.
Another, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the crowd dancing.
“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We need to see them come back home to their loved ones.”
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Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks
The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending returned home.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her daughter.
Viki Cohen, the parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My son, you are returning home.”
The joy could be felt in the streets of Tel Aviv following the announcement.
Released Captives Say Prayers and Toasts
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then cheering “To life”, which means “to life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.
Their brother Liran Berman wrote: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You are coming back.”
Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal that brings the homecoming of all those still being held in Gaza.
“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and here it is,” he said.
He stated he felt “shattered” that his cousin will not be among those coming back to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are finally coming back.
Eitan Horn was seized from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south along with his brother.
Cautious Optimism from Family Members
Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she felt as if she were in “in a dream”.
“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has accomplished for us. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.
However, she warned that it remained too early to celebrate.
“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.
“So many things might occur until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and ensure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only when the last captive is back home.”
Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from captivity through a truce agreement earlier in the year.
Associated Updates
- ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to first stage of Gaza agreement
- Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal
Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | The group
