Fireworks along with a Toast for Life: Israeli Citizens Delight over Agreement Bringing Back Hostages
The declaration of an agreement expected to lead to the freeing captives held within Gaza for over 24 months has generated joy and comfort across Israel.
A group which has campaigned for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.
The deal—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.
So far, 148 hostages have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.
Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square
Joyous gatherings have unfolded in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the agreement’s signing.
The gathering began clapping and dancing under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee displaying a sign saying: “We love Trump.”
“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.
Another, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the people celebrating.
“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We need to see their return home to their families.”
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Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics
The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending returned home.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her child.
Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My child, you are coming home.”
The joy could be felt in the streets in Tel Aviv after the announcement.
Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “To life”, meaning “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.
Their brother Liran Berman wrote: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You are coming back.”
Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for an agreement that brings the homecoming of everyone still detained in Gaza.
“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he said.
He said he was “broken” that Carmel would not be among those coming back to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the families of the captives who are finally coming back.
Eitan Horn was seized from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother.
Cautious Optimism from Family Members
Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she felt as if she were in “in a dream”.
“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she said.
However, she warned that it remained too early to celebrate.
“Until the last hostage returns, we’re not opening the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.
“So many things might occur up to the final instant so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to thank everyone who was involved in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is back home.”
Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was released from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.
Associated Updates
- ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza peace deal
- What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal
Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | The group
