Fireworks along with a Toast for Life: Israelis Delight over Agreement Bringing Back Hostages
The declaration of an agreement projected to lead to the release captives detained within Gaza for over two years has generated joy and comfort throughout the nation.
An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.
The deal—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains 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 hostages have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued.
Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square
Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the agreement’s signing.
The gathering began clapping and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”
“This is a wondrous day,” the woman said.
Another, Yael, aged 50, wept as she watched the crowd dancing.
“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We must witness them come back home to their loved ones.”
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Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics
The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the announcement of his impending homecoming.
“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her child.
Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My son, you are returning home.”
The joy was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the announcement.
Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses
Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then cheering “To life”, meaning “to life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.
Their sibling Liran Berman wrote: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You’re coming home.”
Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal that brings the return of all those still being held within Gaza.
“I hardly believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and here it is,” he expressed.
He said he felt “broken” that Carmel would not be among those returning home yet felt “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are finally returning.
Eitan Horn was seized from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling.
Cautious Optimism 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’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has done on our behalf. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she said.
But she cautioned that it was still too soon to rejoice.
“Before the final captive is here, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she said.
“Numerous events can happen until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only when the last captive is back home.”
Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was released from detainment through a truce agreement earlier this year.
Associated Updates
- ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
- What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal
Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | The group
