Celebratory Displays and a Cheer to Life: Israeli Citizens Delight at Agreement to Return Hostages
The declaration of an agreement projected to result in the freeing of hostages held within Gaza for over two years has caused delight and relief across Israel.
An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.
The deal—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.
To date, 148 hostages have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.
Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square
Joyous gatherings have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled before the agreement’s signing.
A crowd started applauding and dancing under American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a placard saying: “We love Trump.”
“This is a wondrous day,” the woman said.
A different person, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the crowd dancing.
“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We need to see them come back home to their loved ones.”
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Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics
The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the news that he would be returned home.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her child.
Viki Cohen, the mother of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My son, you are returning home.”
The delight was palpable in the streets of Tel Aviv after the news.
Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts
Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, which means “for life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.
Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You are coming back.”
Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for a deal which ensures the return of all those still being held within Gaza.
“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he expressed.
He said he was “shattered” that Carmel will not be among those coming back home but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the hostages who are finally returning.
Eitan Horn was seized from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south along with his brother.
Cautious Optimism from Relatives
Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she experienced like she was living “in a dream”.
“We are immensely thankful to the President and everything he has done on our behalf. We feel like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she said.
But she cautioned that it remained too early to celebrate.
“Until the last hostage returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... 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 deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is back home.”
Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was released from captivity through a truce agreement earlier this year.
Related Developments
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Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas