Celebratory Displays along with a Toast to Life: Israelis Rejoice at Agreement Bringing Back Hostages

The declaration of an agreement expected to result in the freeing of hostages detained within Gaza for over two years has caused joy and comfort throughout the nation.

A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli captives held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—which still must be agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

So far, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been retrieved and eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered before the agreement’s signing.

A crowd started applauding and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a sign saying: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous 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 said. “We must witness their return home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark deal
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news that he would be returned home.

“They are returning!... Matan is coming 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 in the streets in Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then cheering “To life”, which means “for life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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 taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal that brings the return of everyone still detained in Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is real. We have waited for such a long time and now it’s here,” he expressed.

He stated he was “shattered” that Carmel will not be among those returning home but was “radiant with happiness” for the families of the captives who are at last returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she experienced as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and all he has done for us. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she said.

However, she warned that it was still too soon to celebrate.

“Until the last hostage is here, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“So many things might occur up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who was involved in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only once we have the last hostage back home.”

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

Related Developments

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

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