Fireworks and a Cheer to Life: Israelis Rejoice at Agreement to Return Captives

The declaration of an agreement projected to result in the release captives held within Gaza for more than two years has caused joy and comfort throughout the nation.

An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—which still must be agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 hostages have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the deal being signed.

The gathering began clapping and moving to music under American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a placard saying: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, wept as she watched the crowd dancing.

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We need to see them come back home to their families.”

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Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the news of his impending homecoming.

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her child.

Viki Cohen, the mother of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My son, you are returning home.”

The joy could be felt in the streets of Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their sibling 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 recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for a deal which ensures the return of all those still detained within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and now it’s here,” he said.

He said he was “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those returning to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are finally returning.

Eitan Horn was seized from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling.

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she felt like she was living “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and all he has done on our behalf. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.

But she cautioned that it was still too soon to celebrate.

“Until the last hostage returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she said.

“Numerous events can happen up to the final instant so this is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is back home.”

Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from detainment through a truce agreement earlier this year.

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

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