Fireworks along with a Toast to Life: Israeli Citizens Rejoice at Deal Bringing Back Hostages
The declaration regarding a deal expected to result in the release captives detained within Gaza for over 24 months has generated joy and comfort throughout the nation.
A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.
The agreement—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.
So far, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been recovered and eight hostages were freed by rescue.
Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square
Joyous gatherings took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled before the deal being signed.
The gathering began clapping and moving to music under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a sign saying: “We adore Trump.”
“This is a wondrous day,” the woman said.
A different person, Yael, aged 50, wept as she watched the crowd dancing.
“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We must witness their return home to their loved ones.”
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Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks
The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending homecoming.
“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her daughter.
Viki Cohen, the mother of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My child, you are coming home.”
The joy was palpable in the streets in Tel Aviv after the announcement.
Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, meaning “for life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.
Their brother Liran Berman wrote: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You’re coming home.”
The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal that brings the return of all those still detained within Gaza.
“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for so long and here it is,” he said.
He stated he felt “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those coming back to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the families of the captives who are at last returning.
Eitan Horn was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling.
Cautious Optimism from Family Members
Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she experienced like she was living “in a dream”.
“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has done on our behalf. We feel like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.
However, she warned that it was still too soon to rejoice.
“Until the last hostage returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she affirmed.
“So many things can happen until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to thank everyone who was involved in the efforts and ensure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage back home.”
Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.
Associated Updates
- ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
- Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord
Israel-Gaza war | Israel | The group
