Celebratory Displays along with a Toast for Life: Israeli Citizens Delight over Agreement Bringing Back Captives

The announcement regarding a deal expected to result in the freeing of hostages held within Gaza for over 24 months has caused delight and comfort across the nation.

An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 captives have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled before the deal being signed.

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

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the crowd dancing.

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We must witness their return home to their families.”

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Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending homecoming.

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her child.

Viki Cohen, the mother of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My child, you are coming home.”

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

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts

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

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal that brings the homecoming of everyone still being held in Gaza.

“I hardly 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 returning to their homes yet felt “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are finally returning.

Eitan Horn was seized from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling.

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she experienced like she was living “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has done on our behalf. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too soon to celebrate.

“Before the final captive is here, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she said.

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when we have the last hostage back home.”

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was released from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to first stage of Gaza agreement
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

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