Celebratory Displays and a Cheer to Life: Israeli Citizens Rejoice over Agreement to Return Captives

The announcement of an agreement projected to lead to the release captives detained within Gaza for over two years has generated joy and relief across Israel.

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

The deal—which still must be agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

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

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered ahead of the deal being signed.

The gathering started applauding and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a placard saying: “We love Trump.”

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

Another, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the people celebrating.

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We need to see them come back home to their loved ones.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark deal
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

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

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her daughter.

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

The joy was palpable in the streets in Tel Aviv after the news.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then cheering “To life”, meaning “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You’re coming home.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in advocating for an agreement which ensures the homecoming of everyone still being held within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and here it is,” he said.

He said he felt “shattered” that his cousin will not be among those returning home yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the families of the hostages who are finally coming back.

Eitan Horn was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling.

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she felt like she was living “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has done on our behalf. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.

However, she warned that it remained too early to celebrate.

“Until the last hostage returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant which 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 once the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was released from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to first stage of Gaza agreement
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas