Fireworks along with a Toast to Life: Israelis Rejoice over Agreement to Return Hostages
The announcement regarding a deal projected to result in the freeing captives detained within Gaza for over two years has caused delight and comfort throughout Israel.
A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.
The deal—which still must be agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—involves the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.
To date, 148 hostages have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.
Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square
Joyous gatherings have unfolded at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled before the agreement’s signing.
A crowd started applauding and dancing under American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a sign saying: “We love Trump.”
“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.
A different person, 50-year-old Yael, cried while observing the crowd dancing.
“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We need to see their return home to their families.”
- LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza deal
- Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark the agreement
- EXAMINATION: Significant progress, though conflict continues
Families Celebrate with Fireworks
The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the announcement of his impending homecoming.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her child.
Viki Cohen, the parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”
The joy was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the news.
Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings 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 sibling Liran Berman wrote: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You are coming back.”
The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured 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 advocating for a deal that brings the return of everyone still detained within Gaza.
“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he expressed.
He said he felt “broken” that his cousin would not be among those returning to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are at last coming back.
Eitan Horn was seized from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling.
Cautious Optimism 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 all he has accomplished for us. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.
However, she warned that it was still too early to rejoice.
“Before the final captive is here, we won’t open the champagne. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.
“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant 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 deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is safely home.”
Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was released from captivity through a truce agreement earlier this year.
Associated Updates
- ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza agreement
- What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal
Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas
