Celebratory Displays along with a Toast for Life: Israeli Citizens Delight over Deal Bringing Back Hostages

The declaration regarding a deal projected to lead to the release captives held in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has generated joy and comfort throughout the nation.

An organization which has campaigned for the release of Israeli captives in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 captives have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been recovered and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered ahead of the deal being signed.

A crowd began clapping and moving to music beneath US and Israeli flags—one woman displaying a sign saying: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, cried as she watched the crowd dancing.

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

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Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending homecoming.

“They are returning!... 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 child, you are coming home.”

The delight could be felt throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

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

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for a deal that brings the homecoming of all those still detained within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for so long and here it is,” he said.

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

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

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

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

“We’re more than grateful to the President and everything he has accomplished for us. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

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

“Until the last hostage is here, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she said.

“Numerous events might occur until the last moment so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the efforts and make sure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only once we have the last hostage back home.”

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

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

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