Celebratory Displays and a Toast to Life: Israeli Citizens Rejoice at Agreement Bringing Back Captives

The announcement of an agreement expected to lead to the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has generated delight and relief across Israel.

An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it called 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 prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

So far, 148 hostages have come back—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.

A crowd started applauding and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—one woman holding up a placard saying: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, wept as she watched the crowd dancing.

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We must witness them come back home to their loved ones.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark deal
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

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

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her daughter.

Viki Cohen, the mother of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “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

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

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 taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for an agreement which ensures the return of everyone still being held within Gaza.

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

He stated he was “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those returning to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are at last returning.

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

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she felt as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has done for us. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too early to rejoice.

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

“So many things can happen up to the final instant so this is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is back home.”

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

Associated Updates

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

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | Hamas