Celebratory Displays and a Cheer to Life: Israeli Citizens Delight over Agreement to Return Hostages

The announcement regarding a deal expected to result in the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for over two years has caused joy and relief throughout Israel.

A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli captives held in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” 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 and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

So far, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.

A crowd started applauding and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the crowd dancing.

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We need to see their return home to their loved ones.”

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Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the announcement that he would be homecoming.

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her child.

Viki Cohen, the mother of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My son, you are returning home.”

The joy could be felt throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the news.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal which ensures the return of everyone still detained in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for such a long time and here it is,” he said.

He stated he felt “broken” that his cousin would not be among those returning to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last returning.

Eitan Horn was seized from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother.

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she experienced like she was living “in a dream”.

“We’re more than grateful to the President and everything he has done for us. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it was still too early to rejoice.

“Until the last hostage returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when we have the last hostage back home.”

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

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