Fireworks and a Cheer for Life: Israelis Rejoice at Agreement to Return Hostages
The announcement regarding a deal projected to result in the freeing captives held in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has generated delight and relief across the nation.
An organization that has advocated for the return of Israeli captives held in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” 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 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.
So far, 148 captives have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been recovered and eight hostages were freed by rescue.
Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square
Jubilant scenes have unfolded in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered ahead of the deal being signed.
The gathering began clapping and dancing under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a sign saying: “We love Trump.”
“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.
A different person, Yael, aged 50, wept as she watched the people celebrating.
“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We must witness them come back home to their families.”
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Families Celebrate with Fireworks
The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the announcement of his impending homecoming.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her daughter.
Viki Cohen, the mother of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”
The delight was palpable in the streets of Tel Aviv following the announcement.
Released Captives Say Prayers and Toasts
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then toasting “To life”, which means “for life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.
Their brother Liran Berman posted: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. 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 nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal that brings the homecoming of all those still detained in Gaza.
“I hardly believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and now it’s here,” he said.
He stated he was “broken” that Carmel will not be among those returning home but was “glowing with joy” 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.
Guarded Hope from Family Members
Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she felt as if she were in “a dream state”.
“We are immensely thankful to the President and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.
But she cautioned that it was still too early to rejoice.
“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.
“So many things might occur until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who was involved in the work and make sure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage safely home.”
Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was released from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.
Associated Updates
- ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
- What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord
Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas
