Fireworks and a Cheer for Life: Israelis Rejoice over Agreement to Return Captives
The declaration of an agreement expected to result in the freeing captives held within Gaza for over 24 months has generated joy and comfort throughout the nation.
An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” 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 as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.
So far, 148 hostages have come back—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been retrieved and eight hostages have been rescued.
Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square
Jubilant scenes have unfolded at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the deal being signed.
A crowd began clapping and moving to music under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”
“This is a wondrous day,” the woman said.
Another, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the crowd dancing.
“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We need to see their return home to their loved ones.”
- LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
- Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate deal
- EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet
Families Celebrate with Fireworks
The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the announcement that he would be homecoming.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her daughter.
Viki Cohen, the parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My son, you are returning home.”
The delight could be felt in the streets of Tel Aviv after the announcement.
Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts
Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “for life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.
Their brother Liran Berman wrote: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You are coming back.”
Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for an agreement that brings the return of all those still being held in Gaza.
“I can’t quite believe this is real. We have waited for such a long time and now it’s here,” he expressed.
He stated he was “broken” that his cousin would not be among those returning to their homes yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the families of the captives who are at last returning.
Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother.
Cautious Optimism from Family Members
Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she experienced like she was living “in a dream”.
“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished for us. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she said.
However, she warned that it remained too soon to rejoice.
“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.
“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who participated in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when the last captive is back home.”
Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.
Associated Updates
- ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
- Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal
Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas
