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

The announcement regarding a deal projected to result in the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for over 24 months has caused delight and relief throughout the nation.

A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 hostages have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings took place at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the deal being signed.

A crowd began clapping and dancing under US and Israeli flags—one woman displaying a placard saying: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, wept as she watched the people celebrating.

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We need to see them come back home to their loved ones.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate deal
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the news of his impending homecoming.

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

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

The delight was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the news.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then toasting “To life”, which means “for life”. She has been campaigning 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 taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body found in an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in pushing for an agreement which ensures the homecoming of all those still being held within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and now it’s here,” he said.

He said he was “broken” that Carmel will not be among those returning to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are at last returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she felt as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she said.

However, she warned that it was still too early to celebrate.

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

“So many things might occur up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the efforts and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was released from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas