Fireworks along with a Cheer for Life: Israeli Citizens Delight over Agreement Bringing Back Hostages
The declaration regarding a deal projected to lead to the freeing captives detained within Gaza for over 24 months has generated joy and comfort throughout Israel.
A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli captives held in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.
The agreement—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.
So far, 148 captives have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been recovered while eight hostages were freed by rescue.
Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square
Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.
A crowd started applauding and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee displaying 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 people celebrating.
“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We must witness their return home to their families.”
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Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics
The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending homecoming.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her child.
Viki Cohen, the mother of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My son, you are returning home.”
The delight could be felt in the streets of Tel Aviv after the news.
Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts
Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then toasting “L’chaim”, which means “for life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.
Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You are coming back.”
Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, and her body found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for an agreement that brings the homecoming of all those still detained in Gaza.
“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for such a long time and here it is,” he expressed.
He said he felt “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those coming back to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are finally returning.
Eitan Horn was seized from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling.
Cautious Optimism from Family Members
Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she experienced as if she were in “a dream state”.
“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has accomplished for us. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.
However, she warned that it remained too early to rejoice.
“Until the last hostage returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she said.
“So many things can happen until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is back home.”
Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was released from detainment through a truce agreement earlier this year.
Associated Updates
- ‘Historic chance’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
- Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord
Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas
