Fireworks along with a Cheer to Life: Israeli Citizens Delight at Agreement to Return Hostages
The declaration of an agreement projected to result in the release captives detained within Gaza for more than 24 months has generated joy and comfort throughout the nation.
An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.
The deal—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.
To date, 148 captives 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 at Hostages Square
Joyous gatherings have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the deal being signed.
The gathering started applauding and dancing under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a sign saying: “We love Trump.”
“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.
Another, 50-year-old Yael, cried as she watched the people celebrating.
“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We need to see their return home to their families.”
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Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics
The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the news that he would be returned home.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her daughter.
Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”
The delight could be felt in the streets in Tel Aviv following the announcement.
Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then toasting “To life”, which means “to life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.
Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You’re coming home.”
The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for a deal which ensures the return of everyone still detained in Gaza.
“I can’t quite believe this is real. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he expressed.
He stated he was “broken” that his cousin will not be among those returning home but was “radiant with happiness” for the families of the captives who are finally coming back.
Eitan Horn was seized from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling.
Cautious Optimism from Family Members
Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she felt as if she were in “a dream state”.
“We are immensely thankful to the President and everything he has done on our behalf. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.
However, she warned that it remained too early to celebrate.
“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the champagne. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she said.
“So many things can happen until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to thank everyone who was involved in the efforts and ensure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage safely home.”
Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was released from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.
Associated Updates
- ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
- What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord
Israel-Gaza war | Israel | The group
