Fireworks and a Toast to Life: Israelis Rejoice at Agreement Bringing Back Hostages
The declaration of an agreement expected to lead to the release captives detained in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has caused joy and comfort across the nation.
A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli captives held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.
The agreement—which still must be agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—involves the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.
To date, 148 hostages have come back—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved and eight hostages have been rescued.
Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square
Joyous gatherings have unfolded at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered before the agreement’s signing.
The gathering started applauding and dancing under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”
“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.
A different person, Yael, aged 50, cried 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 with Fireworks
The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the announcement that he would be returned home.
“They are returning!... Matan is on his way 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 joy could be felt in the streets of Tel Aviv following the news.
Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses
Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, meaning “to life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.
Their brother Liran Berman posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You’re coming home.”
The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in advocating for an agreement which ensures the return of all those still detained in Gaza.
“I hardly believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for so long and here it is,” he said.
He said he was “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those returning home but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last returning.
Eitan Horn was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling.
Cautious Optimism 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 are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has done for us. We feel that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.
But she cautioned that it remained too early to celebrate.
“Until the last hostage returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she affirmed.
“So many things might occur until the last moment so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only once the last captive is safely home.”
Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was released from detainment through a truce agreement earlier in the year.
Associated Updates
- ‘Historic chance’: Global response to first stage of Gaza agreement
- What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal
Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas
