Celebratory Displays along with a Toast for Life: Israelis Rejoice at Agreement Bringing Back Hostages
The announcement regarding a deal expected to lead to the freeing captives held in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has generated delight and relief throughout Israel.
A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it termed 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 detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.
To date, 148 hostages have come back—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued.
Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square
Joyous gatherings have unfolded at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered ahead of the deal being signed.
A crowd began clapping and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a placard saying: “We adore Trump.”
“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.
A different person, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the crowd dancing.
“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We must witness their return home to their families.”
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Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics
The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the announcement that he would be returned home.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her daughter.
Viki Cohen, the mother of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My son, you are returning home.”
The delight was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the news.
Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts
Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.
Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You’re coming home.”
Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body 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 homecoming of everyone still being held in Gaza.
“I hardly believe this is real. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he said.
He stated he was “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those returning to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are finally coming back.
Eitan Horn was seized from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling.
Guarded Hope from Family Members
Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she experienced as if she were in “a dream state”.
“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and all he has done on our behalf. We feel that this could be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented.
However, she warned that it remained too early to rejoice.
“Until the last hostage returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she said.
“Numerous events can happen until the last moment 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 shall rejoice only when we have the last hostage back home.”
Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.
Associated Updates
- ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
- Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord
Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas
