Celebratory Displays and a Toast for Life: Israelis Delight at Deal Bringing Back Hostages
The declaration of an agreement projected to result in the release of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has generated joy and relief throughout the nation.
An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.
The deal—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.
So far, 148 hostages have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages were freed by rescue.
Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square
Joyous gatherings took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.
A crowd started applauding and dancing under US and Israeli flags—one woman displaying a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”
“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.
A different person, Yael, aged 50, wept as she watched the crowd dancing.
“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We must witness them come back home to their families.”
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Families Celebrate with Fireworks
The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the announcement of his impending homecoming.
“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held 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 following the announcement.
Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses
Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive 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 posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You’re coming home.”
Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for a deal that brings the homecoming of all those still being held within Gaza.
“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and here it is,” he expressed.
He stated he felt “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those coming back home but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are finally returning.
Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother.
Guarded Hope 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 are immensely thankful to President Trump and all he has accomplished for us. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.
However, she warned that it was still too soon to rejoice.
“Until the last hostage returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she said.
“Numerous events can happen up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage safely home.”
Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was released from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.
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Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | Hamas
