Celebratory Displays along with a Toast for Life: Israelis Delight over Deal Bringing Back Hostages
The declaration regarding a deal expected to lead to the freeing captives detained in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has caused joy and comfort throughout Israel.
An organization which has campaigned for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.
The deal—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.
To date, 148 captives have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.
Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square
Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered ahead of the deal being signed.
A crowd started applauding and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”
“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.
A different person, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the crowd dancing.
“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We must witness them come back home to their loved ones.”
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Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics
The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news that he would be returned home.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her daughter.
Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My child, you are coming home.”
The delight could be felt in the streets of Tel Aviv following the announcement.
Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then cheering “To life”, which means “to life”. She has been campaigning for the release 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.”
The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for an agreement which ensures the return of everyone still detained in Gaza.
“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for such a long time and here it is,” he said.
He stated he was “broken” that Carmel will not be among those coming back to their homes yet felt “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are finally coming back.
Eitan Horn was seized from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling.
Guarded Hope from Family Members
Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she felt like she was living “a dream state”.
“We’re more than grateful to the President and everything he has accomplished for us. We feel that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.
But she cautioned that it was still too early to celebrate.
“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she said.
“So many things can happen up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the work and ensure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage safely home.”
Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was released from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.
Related Developments
- ‘Historic chance’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza agreement
- Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal
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