Fireworks along with a Cheer to Life: Israelis Rejoice at Agreement to Return Hostages
The announcement regarding a deal projected to result in the release captives held in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has caused delight and relief across the nation.
A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.
The deal—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.
So far, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.
Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square
Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled before the agreement’s signing.
The gathering began clapping and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee displaying a sign that read: “We love Trump.”
“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.
Another, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the crowd dancing.
“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We must witness them come back home to their families.”
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Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics
The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the announcement that he would be returned home.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her child.
Viki Cohen, the mother of Israeli hostage 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 Offer Prayers and Toasts
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then toasting “To life”, meaning “for life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.
Their brother Liran Berman wrote: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You’re coming home.”
Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for an agreement that brings the return of everyone still detained in Gaza.
“I can’t quite believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and here it is,” he expressed.
He stated he was “broken” that his cousin would not be among those coming back to their homes yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last coming back.
Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother.
Cautious Optimism from Relatives
Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she felt like she was living “a dream state”.
“We’re more than grateful to the President and all he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.
But she cautioned that it was still too early to rejoice.
“Before the final captive is here, we won’t open the champagne. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.
“Numerous events can happen up to the final instant so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when the last captive is safely home.”
Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.
Associated Updates
- ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza peace deal
- Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord
Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | Hamas