Fireworks and a Cheer for Life: Israeli Citizens Delight over Deal Bringing Back Hostages
The announcement regarding a deal expected to lead to the freeing captives held in the Gaza Strip for over 24 months has generated delight and relief throughout Israel.
An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.
The agreement—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the return of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.
To date, 148 hostages have come back—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.
Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square
Jubilant scenes have unfolded at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.
The gathering started applauding and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee displaying a sign saying: “We love Trump.”
“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.
Another, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing 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 mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the news of his impending homecoming.
“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 child, you are coming home.”
The delight was palpable in the streets in Tel Aviv following the announcement.
Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, meaning “for life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.
Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You are coming back.”
Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for an agreement that brings the homecoming of everyone still being held in Gaza.
“I can’t quite believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and now it’s here,” he expressed.
He said he felt “broken” that his cousin would not be among those returning home but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are at last coming back.
Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling.
Guarded Hope from Family Members
Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she experienced as if she were in “in a dream”.
“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has done on our behalf. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.
However, she warned that it remained too soon to rejoice.
“Until the last hostage is here, we’re not opening the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she said.
“Numerous events might occur until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who was involved 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 kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was freed from captivity through a truce agreement earlier this year.
Related Developments
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Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | The group
