Fireworks along with a Cheer to Life: Israeli Citizens Delight over Agreement Bringing Back Hostages
The declaration regarding a deal projected to lead to the release captives held in the Gaza Strip for over 24 months has generated delight and relief across the nation.
A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.
The deal—which still must be approved by the Israeli war cabinet—involves the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.
To date, 148 captives have come back—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.
Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square
Joyous gatherings took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the deal being signed.
The gathering started applauding and dancing beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a sign that read: “We love Trump.”
“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.
Another, Yael, aged 50, cried as she watched the crowd dancing.
“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We must witness them come back home to their loved ones.”
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Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks
The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news that he would be returned home.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her daughter.
Viki Cohen, the mother of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My son, you are returning home.”
The delight could be felt in the streets of Tel Aviv following the announcement.
Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then toasting “L’chaim”, which means “for life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.
Their brother Liran Berman posted: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You’re coming home.”
Gil Dickman’s cousin 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 captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal which ensures the homecoming of all those still detained within Gaza.
“I hardly believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for so long and now it’s here,” he said.
He said he was “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those coming back home but was “radiant with happiness” for the families of the hostages who are finally returning.
Eitan Horn was seized from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south along with his brother.
Guarded Hope from Relatives
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 everything he has done for us. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.
However, she warned that it was still too soon to celebrate.
“Before the final captive is here, we won’t open the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she affirmed.
“So many things can happen up to the final instant so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and ensure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when we have the last hostage safely home.”
Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was released from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.
Associated Updates
- ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza agreement
- What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal
Israel-Gaza war | Israel | The group
