Celebratory Displays along with a Toast for Life: Israelis Delight at Deal to Return Hostages
The announcement of an agreement projected to result in the release of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for over two years has caused joy and relief across Israel.
An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.
The agreement—which still must be approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.
To date, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.
Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square
Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled before the agreement’s signing.
The gathering 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 as she watched the crowd dancing.
“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We must witness their return home to their loved ones.”
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Families Celebrate with Fireworks
The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the news that he would be homecoming.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her child.
Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”
The delight was palpable in the streets in Tel Aviv following the news.
Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts
Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, meaning “to life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.
Their brother 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, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for a deal which ensures the homecoming of all those still being held within Gaza.
“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and here it is,” he expressed.
He stated he felt “broken” that his cousin will not be among those coming back home yet felt “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are at last coming back.
Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling.
Guarded Hope from Relatives
Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she experienced like she was living “in a dream”.
“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has done on our behalf. We feel like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.
But she cautioned that it was still too early to rejoice.
“Before the final captive is here, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she affirmed.
“So many things might occur until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who was involved in the work and ensure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is back home.”
Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from captivity through a truce agreement earlier in the year.
Associated Updates
- ‘Historic chance’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza agreement
- What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord
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