Celebratory Displays along with a Toast for Life: Israeli Citizens Rejoice at Deal to Return Hostages

The announcement of an agreement projected to lead to the freeing of hostages held within Gaza for over two years has generated delight and comfort throughout the nation.

A group which has campaigned for the release of Israeli hostages 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—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 plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

So far, 148 captives have been returned—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered ahead of the agreement’s signing.

The gathering began clapping and moving to music under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee displaying a sign saying: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the crowd dancing.

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We need to see their return home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the announcement of his impending returned home.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her daughter.

Viki Cohen, the mother of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”

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

Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, meaning “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for an agreement that brings the return of all those still being held in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for so long and here it is,” he expressed.

He stated he felt “broken” that Carmel will not be among those returning to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are finally returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she experienced as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has accomplished for us. We feel like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.

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

“Until the last hostage is here, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she said.

“So many things can happen until the last moment so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to thank everyone who was involved in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when the last captive is back home.”

Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was freed from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

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