Fireworks along with a Toast to Life: Israelis Rejoice at Deal Bringing Back Captives
The announcement of an agreement projected to result in the release of hostages held within Gaza for more than 24 months has generated delight and comfort across Israel.
A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.
The deal—which still must be agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—involves the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.
So far, 148 captives have come back—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.
Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square
Joyous gatherings have unfolded in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.
The gathering started applauding and dancing 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, wept while observing the people celebrating.
“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We need to see them come back home to their families.”
- REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
- Joy and pain: Palestinians mark the agreement
- EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet
Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks
The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the announcement that he would be homecoming.
“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her daughter.
Viki Cohen, the parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My son, you are returning home.”
The delight was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the news.
Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.
Their brother Liran Berman wrote: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You are coming back.”
Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal that brings the homecoming of all those still being held in Gaza.
“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for so long and here it is,” he said.
He stated he felt “broken” that Carmel will not be among those returning home yet felt “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are finally coming back.
Eitan Horn was seized from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling.
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 all he has accomplished for us. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented.
But she cautioned that it remained too early to rejoice.
“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she affirmed.
“So many things can happen until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who was involved in the efforts and ensure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only once the last captive is back home.”
Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was freed from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.
Related Developments
- ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza peace deal
- What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord
Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas
