Fireworks and a Toast for Life: Israelis Delight at Agreement to Return Hostages
The announcement of an agreement expected to result in the release of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for over two years has caused delight and relief across Israel.
A group which has campaigned for the release of Israeli captives in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.
The agreement—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners 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 previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.
Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square
Joyous gatherings have unfolded at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the deal being signed.
A crowd started applauding and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a placard that read: “We love Trump.”
“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.
A different person, 50-year-old Yael, cried while observing the crowd dancing.
“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We need to see their return home to their loved ones.”
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Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks
The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the announcement that he would be returned home.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her child.
Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My son, you are returning home.”
The joy was palpable in the streets of Tel Aviv after the announcement.
Released Captives Say 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 “To life”, which means “to life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.
Their brother Liran Berman wrote: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You’re coming home.”
Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for a deal which ensures the return of everyone still detained in Gaza.
“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and here it is,” he expressed.
He stated he was “broken” that his cousin would not be among those returning to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” 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.
Cautious Optimism from Relatives
Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she felt like she was living “in a dream”.
“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and all he has accomplished for us. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.
But she cautioned that it remained too soon to celebrate.
“Before the final captive is here, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she said.
“So many things can happen up to the final instant so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to thank everyone who was involved in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage back home.”
Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was released from captivity through a truce agreement earlier this year.
Associated Updates
- ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
- What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal
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