Celebratory Displays along with a Cheer for Life: Israeli Citizens Rejoice at Deal Bringing Back Captives

The announcement of an agreement projected to result in the release captives detained within Gaza for more than two years has caused joy and comfort across the nation.

A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli captives held in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

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

So far, 148 captives have come back—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the agreement’s signing.

A crowd started applauding and dancing under US and Israeli flags—one woman holding up a sign that read: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

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

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We must witness their return home to their loved ones.”

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Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the announcement that he would be returned home.

“They are returning!... 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 son, you are returning home.”

The joy could be felt in the streets in Tel Aviv after the news.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then cheering “To life”, meaning “for life”. She has been campaigning 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 are coming back.”

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for an agreement that brings the homecoming of everyone still detained within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is real. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he expressed.

He said he was “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those coming back home but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are at last coming back.

Eitan Horn was seized from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling.

Guarded Hope from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she felt like she was living “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished for us. We feel that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she said.

But she cautioned that it remained too early to rejoice.

“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she said.

“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 ensure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from captivity through a truce agreement earlier this year.

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

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