Celebratory Displays along with a Cheer to Life: Israelis Delight over Agreement Bringing Back Hostages

The announcement of an agreement expected to lead to the freeing of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has generated joy and comfort across Israel.

A group which has campaigned for the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 hostages have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled before the agreement’s signing.

A crowd started applauding and dancing under American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

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

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We need to see their return home to their families.”

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

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the announcement of his impending returned home.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her child.

Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My son, you are returning home.”

The joy could be felt in the streets in Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, meaning “for life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You’re coming home.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for an agreement which ensures the homecoming of everyone still detained within Gaza.

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

He stated he was “broken” that Carmel will not be among those coming back to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the families of the captives who are at last coming back.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

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

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has done on our behalf. It seems that this could 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 soon to rejoice.

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

“Numerous events can happen until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was freed from detainment through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas