The declaration of an agreement expected to result in the release captives detained within Gaza for more than two years has caused joy and comfort throughout the nation.
A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.
The agreement—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.
So far, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.
Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square
Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled before the agreement’s signing.
The gathering began clapping and dancing under US and Israeli flags—one woman holding up a placard saying: “We adore Trump.”
“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.
Another, Yael, aged 50, wept as she watched the people celebrating.
“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We must witness their return home to their loved ones.”
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Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics
The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the announcement of his impending homecoming.
“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her child.
Viki Cohen, the mother of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”
The joy was palpable in the streets in Tel Aviv after the announcement.
Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses
Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has been campaigning 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’re coming home.”
Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured 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 advocating for an agreement which ensures the return of everyone still being held in Gaza.
“I can’t quite believe this is real. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he said.
He said he felt “broken” that his cousin will not be among those returning to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last coming back.
Eitan Horn was seized from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother.
Cautious Optimism from Relatives
Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she experienced like she was living “in a dream”.
“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has done on our behalf. We feel that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she said.
But she cautioned that it was still too early to rejoice.
“Until the last hostage returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she affirmed.
“So many things 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 make sure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage safely home.”
Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was freed from detainment through a truce agreement earlier in the year.
Associated Updates
- ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
- What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord
Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group
