Fireworks along with a Cheer to Life: Israelis Delight at Agreement to Return Hostages
The declaration of an agreement expected to lead to the release of hostages held within Gaza for more than 24 months has caused delight and comfort throughout the nation.
An organization which has campaigned for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.
The deal—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.
To date, 148 hostages have come back—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages have been rescued.
Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square
Joyous gatherings have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the deal being signed.
A crowd began clapping and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—one woman displaying a sign that read: “We love Trump.”
“This is a wondrous day,” the woman said.
A different person, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the crowd dancing.
“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We need to see them come back home to their loved ones.”
- LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza agreement
- Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate deal
- EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet
Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics
The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the announcement that he would be returned home.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her child.
Viki Cohen, the mother of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My son, you are returning home.”
The delight was palpable in the streets of Tel Aviv after the announcement.
Released Captives Say Prayers and Toasts
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then toasting “To life”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.
Their brother Liran Berman posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You’re coming home.”
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 captives’ relatives in advocating for an agreement that brings the return of everyone still detained within Gaza.
“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for such a long time and now it’s here,” he said.
He stated he was “broken” that his cousin would not be among those returning home but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are at last returning.
Eitan Horn was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother.
Guarded Hope from Relatives
Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she experienced like she was living “in a dream”.
“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has done on our behalf. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging 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’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she affirmed.
“So many things can happen up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to thank everyone who was involved in the work and ensure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage safely home.”
Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was released from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.
Related Developments
- ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza peace deal
- Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord
Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas
