Fireworks along with a Toast to Life: Israeli Citizens Delight at Agreement Bringing Back Hostages
The declaration of an agreement projected to result in the freeing captives held within Gaza for over two years has caused delight and comfort across Israel.
An organization that has advocated for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.
The deal—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.
So far, 148 hostages have come back—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.
Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square
Joyous gatherings took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled before the agreement’s signing.
The gathering began clapping and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee displaying a sign that read: “We love Trump.”
“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.
Another, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the crowd dancing.
“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We need to see them come back home to their families.”
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Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics
The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending returned home.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her child.
Viki Cohen, the mother of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My son, you are returning home.”
The joy could be felt 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, reciting prayers of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, meaning “to life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.
Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You are coming back.”
Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for an agreement that brings the return of all those still being held within Gaza.
“I can’t quite believe this is real. We have waited for such a long time and here it is,” he expressed.
He stated he felt “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those returning home yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the families of the hostages who are at last coming back.
Eitan Horn was seized from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south along with his brother.
Guarded Hope from Family Members
Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she felt 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 that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.
However, she warned that it remained too soon to rejoice.
“Before the final captive is here, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she affirmed.
“So many things might occur until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who participated in the efforts and ensure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only once we have the last hostage safely home.”
Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was released from detainment through a truce agreement earlier this year.
Related Developments
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Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | The group
