Celebratory Displays and a Toast to Life: Israelis Delight over Deal Bringing Back Hostages

The declaration regarding a deal expected to result in the release captives detained within Gaza for more than 24 months has generated delight and relief across Israel.

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

The deal—which still must be agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 hostages have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.

The gathering began clapping and dancing under American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a placard saying: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” the woman said.

Another, Yael, aged 50, cried as she watched the people celebrating.

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

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Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the announcement of his impending returned home.

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her daughter.

Viki Cohen, the mother of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”

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

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “for life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for a deal which ensures the return of all those still detained within Gaza.

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

He stated he was “broken” that Carmel will not be among those coming back to their homes yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are at last returning.

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

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she experienced as if she were in “a dream state”.

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

But she cautioned that it was still too soon to rejoice.

“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events can happen until the last moment so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to thank everyone who was involved in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is back home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

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