Fireworks along with a Cheer to Life: Israelis Rejoice at Agreement Bringing Back Hostages
The announcement regarding a deal projected to result in the freeing of hostages detained within Gaza for more than 24 months has generated delight and relief across Israel.
An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli captives held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.
The agreement—which still must be approved by the Israeli war cabinet—involves the release of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.
So far, 148 captives have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.
Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square
Joyous gatherings took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered ahead of the deal being signed.
A crowd started applauding and moving to music beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a sign saying: “We adore Trump.”
“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.
A different person, Yael, aged 50, cried as she watched the crowd dancing.
“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We must witness their return home to their loved ones.”
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Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics
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 coming home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her child.
Viki Cohen, the mother of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My son, you are returning home.”
The joy could be felt throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv after the news.
Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then cheering “To life”, which means “to life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.
Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You are coming back.”
Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for an agreement that brings the return of all those still being held within Gaza.
“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he expressed.
He stated he was “shattered” that Carmel will not be among those returning home yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are finally returning.
Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling.
Guarded Hope 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 President Trump and all he has done on our behalf. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she said.
However, she warned that it remained too soon to celebrate.
“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she said.
“Numerous events might occur until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the work and ensure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is back home.”
Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was released from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.
Associated Updates
- ‘Historic chance’: Global response to first stage of Gaza agreement
- Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord
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