Fireworks and a Cheer to Life: Israelis Delight at Deal Bringing Back Hostages
The announcement of an agreement expected to result in the freeing of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for over 24 months has generated joy and relief throughout the nation.
An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.
The deal—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.
To date, 148 hostages have come back—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages were freed by rescue.
Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square
Jubilant scenes have unfolded at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.
The gathering started applauding and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”
“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.
Another, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing 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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Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics
The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the news of his impending homecoming.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her child.
Viki Cohen, the parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My son, you are returning home.”
The delight was palpable in the streets of Tel Aviv after the news.
Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then cheering “To life”, 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 Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You are coming back.”
The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for a deal which ensures the homecoming of all those still being held within Gaza.
“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he expressed.
He stated he felt “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those returning home but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are finally coming back.
Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling.
Cautious Optimism from Family Members
Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she experienced as if she were in “a dream state”.
“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has done on our behalf. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she said.
But she cautioned that it remained too soon to rejoice.
“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she said.
“So many things can happen up to the final instant so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only once the last captive is safely home.”
Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was released from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.
Associated Updates
- ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
- What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal
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