Celebratory Displays along with a Cheer to Life: Israelis Delight over Deal to Return Captives
The declaration regarding a deal expected to result in the release captives held within Gaza for over 24 months has generated joy and relief across Israel.
An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.
The agreement—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.
To date, 148 hostages have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been recovered and eight hostages were freed by rescue.
Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square
Jubilant scenes 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 beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a sign saying: “We love Trump.”
“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.
A different person, 50-year-old Yael, cried while observing the people celebrating.
“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We need to see them come back home to their families.”
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Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks
The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the announcement of his impending homecoming.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her daughter.
Viki Cohen, the parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My son, you are returning home.”
The delight could be felt throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv after the news.
Released Captives Say Prayers and Toasts
Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.
Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You’re coming home.”
Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal which ensures the homecoming of everyone 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 said he felt “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those coming back to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are at last coming back.
Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling.
Guarded Hope from Family Members
Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she experienced like she was living “a dream state”.
“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has done for us. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she said.
However, she warned that it was still too soon to celebrate.
“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.
“Numerous events might occur until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who participated in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate 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 released from detainment through a truce agreement earlier in the year.
Related Developments
- ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza agreement
- What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord
Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas
