Fireworks along with a Toast to Life: Israelis Delight over Agreement to Return Captives
The announcement regarding a deal projected to result in the freeing of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has caused delight and comfort throughout the nation.
An organization that has advocated for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.
The agreement—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons 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 in Hostages’ Square
Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled before the agreement’s signing.
The gathering began clapping and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a placard that read: “We love Trump.”
“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.
A different person, 50-year-old Yael, cried while observing the crowd dancing.
“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We must witness them come back home to their families.”
- REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza deal
- Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
- EXAMINATION: Significant progress, but war not over yet
Families Celebrate with Fireworks
The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the announcement of his impending returned home.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her daughter.
Viki Cohen, the parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My son, you are returning home.”
The joy was palpable in the streets in Tel Aviv following the news.
Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.
Their brother Liran Berman posted: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You are coming back.”
The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in advocating for an agreement which ensures the return of all those still being held in Gaza.
“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and here it is,” he expressed.
He stated he was “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those coming back to their homes yet felt “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 brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she experienced like she was living “a dream state”.
“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she said.
However, she warned that it was still too soon to celebrate.
“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she said.
“So many things can happen up to the final instant so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to thank everyone who was involved in the efforts and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is back home.”
Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from detainment through a truce agreement earlier this year.
Related Developments
- ‘Historic chance’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza agreement
- What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal
Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas
