Fireworks along with a Cheer for Life: Israelis Delight over Agreement Bringing Back Captives
The announcement of an agreement projected to lead to the release of hostages held within Gaza for more than two years has generated joy and relief throughout the nation.
An organization which has campaigned for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.
The deal—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.
So far, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued.
Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square
Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled before the agreement’s signing.
A crowd started applauding and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a sign that read: “We love Trump.”
“This is a wondrous day,” the woman said.
A different person, 50-year-old Yael, wept as she watched the people celebrating.
“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We must witness their return home to their families.”
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Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks
The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the announcement of his impending homecoming.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her daughter.
Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My child, you are coming home.”
The joy could be felt throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv following the announcement.
Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses
Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then toasting “To life”, meaning “to life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.
Their brother Liran Berman posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You are coming back.”
The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for a deal which ensures the homecoming of everyone still detained within Gaza.
“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for such a long time 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 “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are finally returning.
Eitan Horn was seized from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling.
Guarded Hope from Relatives
Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she experienced as if she were in “a dream state”.
“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has done on our behalf. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she said.
But she cautioned that it remained too early to rejoice.
“Until the last hostage returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she said.
“So many things can happen up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to thank everyone who was involved in the work and make sure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only once the last captive is back home.”
Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was freed from detainment through a truce agreement earlier this year.
Associated Updates
- ‘Historic chance’: Global response to first stage of Gaza peace deal
- Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord
Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas
