Celebratory Displays and a Toast to Life: Israeli Citizens Delight at Deal to Return Captives

The declaration regarding a deal expected to lead to the release captives detained within Gaza for more than two years has generated delight and comfort across the nation.

A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

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 imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons 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 recovered while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the deal being signed.

The gathering began clapping and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a placard that read: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the crowd dancing.

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news that he would be homecoming.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her daughter.

Viki Cohen, the parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My son, you are returning home.”

The delight was palpable in the streets in Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, meaning “for life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their brother Liran Berman posted: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You’re coming home.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for an agreement that brings 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 here it is,” he expressed.

He stated he felt “shattered” that his cousin will not be among those returning home yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the families of the captives who are at last coming back.

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

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

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

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented.

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

“Before the final captive is here, we won’t open the champagne. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.

“So many things might occur up to the final instant so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was captured 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 first stage of Gaza peace deal
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

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