Fireworks along with a Toast to Life: Israelis Rejoice at Deal to Return Captives
The declaration of an agreement expected to result in the freeing captives detained in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has caused delight and comfort throughout the nation.
A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” 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 as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.
To date, 148 captives have been returned—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.
Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square
Joyous gatherings took place in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered ahead of the deal being signed.
A crowd began clapping and dancing under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee displaying a placard that read: “We love Trump.”
“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.
Another, 50-year-old Yael, cried as she watched the crowd dancing.
“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We need to see their return home to their families.”
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Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks
The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the news that he would be returned home.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her daughter.
Viki Cohen, the mother of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My son, you are returning home.”
The delight was palpable in the streets in Tel Aviv after the announcement.
Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts
Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then toasting “L’chaim”, which means “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’re coming home.”
Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for a deal which ensures 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 now it’s here,” he expressed.
He said he felt “broken” that Carmel would not be among those returning to their homes yet felt “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are finally coming back.
Eitan Horn was seized from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother.
Cautious Optimism from Relatives
Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she felt as if she were in “in a dream”.
“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished for us. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she said.
However, she warned that it remained too early to rejoice.
“Until the last hostage returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she affirmed.
“So many things might occur up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage safely home.”
Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from detainment through a truce agreement earlier in the year.
Associated Updates
- ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
- What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal
Israel-Gaza war | Israel | The group
