Celebratory Displays along with a Cheer to Life: Israelis Rejoice at Agreement Bringing Back Captives
The declaration regarding a deal expected to lead to the release captives held in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has caused joy and comfort across Israel.
A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.
The agreement—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—involves the return of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.
So far, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been recovered and eight hostages were freed by rescue.
Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square
Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled before the agreement’s signing.
A crowd started applauding and dancing under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a sign that read: “We love Trump.”
“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.
Another, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the crowd dancing.
“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We must witness their return home to their loved ones.”
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Families Celebrate with Fireworks
The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending homecoming.
“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her daughter.
Viki Cohen, the mother of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My son, you are returning home.”
The joy could be felt in the streets in Tel Aviv after the announcement.
Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses
Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “To life”, meaning “to life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.
Their brother Liran Berman posted: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You’re coming home.”
The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for an agreement that brings the return of all those still being held in Gaza.
“I can’t quite believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and here it is,” he expressed.
He said he felt “broken” that Carmel would not be among those coming back home but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are finally coming back.
Eitan Horn was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling.
Guarded Hope from Relatives
Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she felt as if she were in “a dream state”.
“We are immensely thankful to the President and everything he has accomplished for us. We feel that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.
However, she warned that it was still too early to rejoice.
“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.
“Numerous events can happen up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish 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 safely home.”
Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.
Related Developments
- ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
- Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal
Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | Hamas
