Celebratory Displays along with a Cheer to Life: Israelis Delight over Deal to Return Captives
The declaration regarding a deal expected to lead to the release of hostages detained within Gaza for more than two years has caused delight and comfort across Israel.
An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it termed 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 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.
To date, 148 hostages have come back—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.
Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square
Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered 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 love Trump.”
“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.
Another, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the crowd dancing.
“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We must witness their return home to their families.”
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Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics
The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the news that he would be homecoming.
“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her daughter.
Viki Cohen, the mother of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My son, you are returning home.”
The joy could be felt throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv following the news.
Released Captives Say Prayers and Toasts
Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.
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, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for a deal that brings the homecoming of everyone still being held in Gaza.
“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and here it is,” he said.
He stated he felt “broken” that his cousin would not be among those returning home but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are at last 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 relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she felt like she was living “a dream state”.
“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has done on our behalf. We feel that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.
But she cautioned that it was still too soon to rejoice.
“Until the last hostage returns, we’re not opening the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she said.
“So many things might occur up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and ensure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only once we have the last hostage safely home.”
Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was released from captivity through a truce agreement earlier in the year.
Related Developments
- ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza peace deal
- Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal
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