Celebratory Displays along with a Cheer to Life: Israelis Rejoice over Deal to Return Hostages
The declaration of an agreement projected to lead to the freeing of hostages detained within Gaza for over two years has generated delight and relief throughout Israel.
A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.
The agreement—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.
To date, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been retrieved and eight hostages have been rescued.
Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square
Joyous gatherings took place at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the deal being signed.
The gathering began clapping and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a placard saying: “We adore Trump.”
“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.
A different person, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the crowd dancing.
“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We must witness their return home to their families.”
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Families Celebrate with Fireworks
The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the announcement of his impending returned home.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her child.
Viki Cohen, the parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”
The delight was palpable in the streets of Tel Aviv following the news.
Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “To life”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.
Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You’re coming home.”
The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, with her remains recovered from a tunnel 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 being held in Gaza.
“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and now it’s here,” he expressed.
He said he felt “broken” that his cousin will not be among those returning to their homes yet felt “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are finally coming back.
Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother.
Cautious Optimism from Relatives
Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she felt like she was living “in a dream”.
“We’re more than grateful to the President and all he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel that this could be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.
However, she warned that it was still too early to rejoice.
“Before the final captive is here, we won’t open the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she affirmed.
“So many things might occur up to the final instant so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who was involved in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only once we have the last hostage safely home.”
Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from captivity through a truce agreement earlier in the year.
Associated Updates
- ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
- What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal
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