Fireworks along with a Cheer for Life: Israelis Rejoice over Deal Bringing Back Captives
The announcement of an agreement expected to lead to the release of hostages held within Gaza for over two years has generated joy and comfort throughout Israel.
An organization that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.
The deal—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.
To date, 148 captives have come back—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.
Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square
Joyous gatherings took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered before the deal being signed.
The gathering began clapping and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a placard that read: “We love Trump.”
“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.
Another, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the people celebrating.
“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We need to see them come back home to their families.”
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Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks
The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news that he would be returned home.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her child.
Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My son, you are returning home.”
The delight could be felt throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv following the news.
Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts
Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then toasting “To life”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.
Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You are coming back.”
Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, and her body 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 everyone still being held in Gaza.
“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and here it is,” he expressed.
He stated he felt “broken” that Carmel will not be among those returning home but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last coming back.
Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother.
Cautious Optimism from Family Members
Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she felt like she was living “a dream state”.
“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has done for us. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she said.
However, she warned that it remained too early to rejoice.
“Until the last hostage returns, we won’t open the champagne. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” 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 we have the last hostage back home.”
Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from detainment through a truce agreement earlier this year.
Associated Updates
- ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
- What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal
Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | The group
