Celebratory Displays along with a Cheer to Life: Israelis Delight at Deal Bringing Back Captives

The announcement regarding a deal projected to lead to the freeing captives detained in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has generated delight and comfort throughout the nation.

An organization which has campaigned for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—which still must be approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 hostages have come back—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings took place in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the deal being signed.

A crowd started applauding and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—one woman displaying a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

Another, Yael, aged 50, cried as she watched the people celebrating.

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We must witness their return home to their loved ones.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending homecoming.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her daughter.

Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”

The delight could be felt in the streets of Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then cheering “To life”, meaning “for life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You are coming back.”

Gil Dickman’s cousin 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 pushing for an agreement that brings the return of all those still detained within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he said.

He said he was “broken” that his cousin would not be among those returning home but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last coming back.

Eitan Horn was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling.

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she felt as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished for us. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it was still too soon to celebrate.

“Until the last hostage returns, we’re not opening the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she said.

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant 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 shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage back home.”

Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was released from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

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