Fireworks and a Toast for Life: Israeli Citizens Rejoice over Deal to Return Hostages
The announcement of an agreement projected to lead to the release of hostages detained within Gaza for over two years has generated delight and comfort across the nation.
An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.
The deal—which still must be approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.
To date, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued.
Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square
Joyous gatherings took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.
A crowd began clapping and moving to music beneath US and Israeli flags—one woman holding up a placard saying: “We love Trump.”
“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.
A different person, 50-year-old Yael, cried as she watched the crowd dancing.
“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We need to see their return home to their families.”
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Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics
The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the news that he would be returned home.
“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her child.
Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”
The delight was palpable in the streets of Tel Aviv following the news.
Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then cheering “To life”, meaning “for life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.
Their brother Liran Berman wrote: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You are coming back.”
Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for an agreement that brings the homecoming of everyone still detained within Gaza.
“I hardly believe this is real. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he said.
He stated he was “broken” that his cousin will not be among those coming back to their homes but was “glowing with joy” 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 Relatives
Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she experienced like she was living “a dream state”.
“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.
However, she warned that it was still too early to celebrate.
“Before the final captive is here, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.
“Numerous events might occur until the last moment so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when we have the last hostage safely home.”
Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was released from detainment through a truce agreement earlier this year.
Related Developments
- ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
- Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord
Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas
