Fireworks and a Toast to Life: Israelis Delight at Deal Bringing Back Captives
The declaration of an agreement expected to result in the freeing of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has caused delight and relief throughout Israel.
A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli captives in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.
The agreement—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release 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 come back—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued.
Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square
Joyous gatherings took place in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled before the agreement’s signing.
The gathering started applauding and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a sign that read: “We love Trump.”
“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.
A different person, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the crowd dancing.
“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We must witness their return 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 on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her daughter.
Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My child, you are coming home.”
The delight was palpable in the streets in Tel Aviv after the news.
Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.
Their sibling Liran Berman wrote: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You are coming back.”
Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal which ensures the homecoming of everyone still detained in Gaza.
“I hardly believe this is real. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he expressed.
He stated he was “broken” that his cousin will not be among those coming back to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the families 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 Relatives
Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she felt as if she were in “a dream state”.
“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and all he has accomplished for us. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.
However, she warned that it was still too soon to rejoice.
“Until the last hostage returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.
“Numerous events can happen up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is safely home.”
Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was released from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.
Related Developments
- ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
- Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord
Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas
