Celebratory Displays along with a Toast to Life: Israelis Rejoice at Deal to Return Captives

The declaration of an agreement projected to result in the freeing captives held in the Gaza Strip for over 24 months has generated delight and comfort throughout the nation.

An organization which has campaigned for the release of Israeli captives in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release 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 and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

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

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered before the deal being signed.

A crowd started applauding and moving to music beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a sign saying: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the people celebrating.

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We must witness them come back home to their families.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the announcement of his impending returned home.

“They are returning!... 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 son, you are returning home.”

The delight was palpable throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv after the news.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has advocated for the release of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their brother Liran Berman posted: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. 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 nearly a year after. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal which ensures the return of all those still detained in Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and now it’s here,” he said.

He stated he felt “shattered” that Carmel will not be among those coming back home but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are at last coming back.

Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother.

Guarded Hope from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she felt like she was living “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has done for us. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.

However, she warned that it was still 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.

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only once the last captive is back home.”

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was released from captivity through a truce agreement earlier this year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas