Fireworks along with a Toast to Life: Israelis Rejoice at Agreement Bringing Back Hostages
The declaration regarding a deal expected to lead to the freeing captives detained within Gaza for over two years has caused joy and comfort across the nation.
A group which has campaigned for the release of Israeli captives in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.
The deal—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—involves the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.
So far, 148 hostages have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.
Celebratory Moments 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 moving to music beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a placard that read: “We love Trump.”
“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.
A different person, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the people celebrating.
“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We need to see them come back home to their loved ones.”
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Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks
The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the announcement that he would be returned home.
“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her child.
Viki Cohen, the mother of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My son, you are returning home.”
The joy was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv after the news.
Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, meaning “to life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.
Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “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 found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal which ensures the return of everyone still being held within Gaza.
“I can’t quite believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and here it is,” he expressed.
He said he was “broken” that Carmel would not be among those coming back home but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are finally coming back.
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 as if she were in “a dream state”.
“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has done for us. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she said.
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 said.
“So many things can happen until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when we have the last hostage safely home.”
Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was freed from captivity through a truce agreement earlier in the year.
Associated Updates
- ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza agreement
- What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord
Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | The group
