Fireworks and a Cheer to Life: Israelis Rejoice over Agreement Bringing Back Hostages

The declaration of an agreement projected to result in the freeing captives held in the Gaza Strip for over two years has generated delight and comfort throughout Israel.

A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

So far, 148 hostages have come back—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the deal being signed.

A crowd began clapping and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a placard saying: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

Another, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the people celebrating.

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We need to see their return home to their families.”

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Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the news that he would be homecoming.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her child.

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

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

Released Captives Say Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “for life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their sibling Liran Berman wrote: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You are coming back.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in advocating for an agreement which ensures the homecoming of all those still detained within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for such a long time and now it’s here,” he expressed.

He stated he felt “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those returning home yet felt “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are finally returning.

Eitan Horn was seized from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother.

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she felt as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and all he has done on our behalf. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” 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 will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to express gratitude to all who was involved in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was freed from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Related Developments

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

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