Fireworks and a Toast to Life: Israelis Delight over Deal to Return Captives
The declaration of an agreement projected to lead to the release of hostages detained within Gaza for more than 24 months has caused delight and comfort across the nation.
A group which has campaigned for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.
The deal—which still must be agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.
To date, 148 hostages have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.
Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square
Joyous gatherings took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the deal being signed.
The gathering began clapping and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a placard saying: “We adore Trump.”
“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.
A different person, Yael, aged 50, cried as she watched the people celebrating.
“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We need to see their return home to their families.”
- LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
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- EXAMINATION: Significant progress, though conflict continues
Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics
The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending returned home.
“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her daughter.
Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My child, you are coming home.”
The delight was palpable in the streets in Tel Aviv following the news.
Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses
Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, meaning “to life”. She has advocated 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’re coming home.”
Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for a deal that brings the return of all those still being held in Gaza.
“I can’t quite believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and here it is,” he expressed.
He said he was “shattered” that his cousin will not be among those coming back to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the families of the hostages who are finally returning.
Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south 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 “a dream state”.
“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.
However, she warned that it remained too soon to rejoice.
“Until the last hostage is here, we’re not opening the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.
“Numerous events might occur until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the efforts and ensure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only once we have the last hostage back home.”
Eitan was captured 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
- ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
- Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal
Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | The group
