Celebratory Displays along with a Cheer to Life: Israelis Rejoice over Agreement Bringing Back Hostages

The announcement of an agreement expected to result in the release of hostages held within Gaza for over 24 months has generated joy and relief across Israel.

A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

To date, 148 hostages have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the deal being signed.

A crowd started applauding and dancing beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a placard saying: “We adore Trump.”

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

Another, 50-year-old Yael, cried while observing the people celebrating.

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We need to see their return home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the news that he would be returned home.

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her daughter.

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

The delight was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then toasting “To life”, which means “for life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their brother Liran Berman posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You are coming back.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, with her remains recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in pushing for an agreement which ensures the return of everyone still being held in Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We have waited for such a long time and here it is,” he expressed.

He said he was “broken” that Carmel would not be among those coming back to their homes yet felt “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are finally returning.

Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother.

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she experienced as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has accomplished for us. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.

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

“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she said.

“So many things might occur up to the final instant so this is why we’re being so, so careful. 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 back home.”

Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was freed from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

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