Celebratory Displays and a Toast to Life: Israeli Citizens Delight over Deal to Return Hostages
The announcement regarding a deal projected to result in the freeing of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has caused joy and relief throughout the nation.
An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.
The deal—which still must be approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.
So far, 148 captives have come back—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.
Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square
Jubilant scenes have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered before the agreement’s signing.
The gathering started applauding and moving to music under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee displaying a sign saying: “We adore Trump.”
“This is a wondrous day,” the woman said.
Another, Yael, aged 50, cried as she watched the people celebrating.
“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We need to see them come back home to their families.”
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Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics
The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the announcement that he would be returned home.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her child.
Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My child, you are coming home.”
The delight could be felt in the streets in Tel Aviv after the announcement.
Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, which means “for life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.
Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You are coming back.”
Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in advocating for a deal that brings the return of all those still being held within Gaza.
“I hardly believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and here it is,” he said.
He stated he felt “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those coming back home but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are at last coming back.
Eitan Horn was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling.
Guarded Hope from Family Members
Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she experienced like she was living “a dream state”.
“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has accomplished for us. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she said.
However, she warned that it remained too soon to celebrate.
“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she affirmed.
“So many things can happen until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage back home.”
Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from detainment through a truce agreement earlier this year.
Associated Updates
- ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza agreement
- What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord
Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | Hamas
