Celebratory Displays along with a Cheer to Life: Israeli Citizens Rejoice at Agreement Bringing Back Captives
The declaration of an agreement expected to result in the freeing of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has generated joy and comfort across the nation.
An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.
The deal—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.
So far, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages were freed by rescue.
Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square
Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.
The gathering started applauding and dancing under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”
“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.
Another, 50-year-old Yael, wept as she watched the crowd dancing.
“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We need to see their return home to their loved ones.”
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Families Celebrate with Fireworks
The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the announcement of his impending returned home.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her daughter.
Viki Cohen, the mother of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My son, you are returning home.”
The joy was palpable in the streets of Tel Aviv following the news.
Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses
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 freedom of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.
Their brother Liran Berman wrote: “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, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for a deal that brings the return of all those still detained within Gaza.
“I hardly believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and now it’s here,” he expressed.
He said he felt “broken” that Carmel will not be among those coming back to their homes yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the hostages who are finally coming back.
Eitan Horn was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz 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 as if she were in “in a dream”.
“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented.
However, she warned that it was still too early to celebrate.
“Until the last hostage returns, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she affirmed.
“So many things might occur until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the work and make sure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage safely home.”
Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was freed from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.
Related Developments
- ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
- Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord
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