Celebratory Displays and a Cheer to Life: Israelis Rejoice over Agreement to Return Captives

The declaration regarding a deal expected to lead to the freeing of hostages detained within Gaza for more than two years has generated delight and relief throughout the nation.

An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli captives held in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 captives have come back—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings took place in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled before the deal being signed.

The gathering began clapping and dancing under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a placard saying: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, wept as she watched the crowd dancing.

“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We need to see their return home to their families.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark deal
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

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

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

Viki Cohen, the mother of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My child, you are coming home.”

The joy could be felt in the streets of Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, which means “to life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their sibling Liran Berman wrote: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You are coming back.”

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal which ensures the homecoming of everyone 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 was “broken” that his cousin would not be among those coming back to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the families of the hostages who are at last coming back.

Eitan Horn was seized from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south along with his brother.

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

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

“We’re more than grateful to the President and all he has accomplished for us. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

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

“Until the last hostage is here, we’re not opening the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she said.

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant so this is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who was involved in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was freed from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group