Celebratory Displays along with a Cheer for Life: Israelis Delight over Deal to Return Captives

The declaration of an agreement projected to lead to the release captives detained in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has generated delight and comfort across the nation.

An organization which has campaigned for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the return of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

To date, 148 captives have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the deal being signed.

A crowd began clapping and moving to music under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

Another, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the crowd dancing.

“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 agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark the agreement
• 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 on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her daughter.

Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My son, you are returning home.”

The joy was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Toasts

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

Their sibling Liran Berman wrote: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You are coming back.”

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, and her body found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal that brings the homecoming of all those still detained within Gaza.

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

He said he felt “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those returning to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the hostages who are finally coming back.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law 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 everything he has done on our behalf. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she said.

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

“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the champagne. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“So many things can happen up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only once we have the last hostage safely home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas