Fireworks along with a Cheer to Life: Israeli Citizens Delight at Deal to Return Hostages
The announcement regarding a deal projected to result in the freeing captives detained in the Gaza Strip for over two years has generated joy and comfort throughout Israel.
An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli captives in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.
The agreement—which still must be approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.
To date, 148 captives have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been recovered and eight hostages were freed by rescue.
Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square
Joyous gatherings have unfolded in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.
The gathering began clapping and dancing under US and Israeli flags—one woman displaying a sign saying: “We love Trump.”
“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.
Another, Yael, aged 50, cried as she watched the crowd dancing.
“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We must witness them come back home to their families.”
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Families Celebrate with Fireworks
The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the announcement that he would be returned home.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way 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 delight was palpable in the streets in Tel Aviv after the announcement.
Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then toasting “L’chaim”, which means “for life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.
Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You’re coming home.”
Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for an agreement that brings the return of all those still being held in Gaza.
“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he said.
He said he was “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those returning to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are finally coming back.
Eitan Horn was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling.
Cautious Optimism from Family Members
Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she experienced like she was living “in a dream”.
“We are immensely thankful to the President and everything he has accomplished for us. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she said.
However, she warned that it remained too early to rejoice.
“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she said.
“So many things might occur until the last moment so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is safely home.”
Eitan was captured 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’: Global response to first stage of Gaza peace deal
- What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord
Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | The group
