Fireworks along with a Cheer for Life: Israelis Delight over Agreement to Return Captives
The announcement of an agreement projected to result in the freeing of hostages held within Gaza for over two years has generated delight and comfort throughout Israel.
A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.
The agreement—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—involves the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.
To date, 148 captives 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 as hundreds of people gathered before the agreement’s signing.
A crowd began clapping and moving to music under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a placard that read: “We love Trump.”
“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.
Another, Yael, aged 50, wept as she watched the people celebrating.
“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We need to see their return home to their families.”
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Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks
The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the announcement that he would be homecoming.
“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her daughter.
Viki Cohen, the parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My son, you are returning home.”
The joy was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the announcement.
Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses
Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, meaning “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.
Their brother Liran Berman posted: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You’re coming home.”
The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal that brings the return of all those 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 “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those coming back to their homes yet felt “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last returning.
Eitan Horn was seized from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother.
Cautious Optimism from Relatives
Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she experienced as if she were in “a dream state”.
“We are immensely thankful to the President and everything he has accomplished for us. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.
However, she warned that it was still too soon to rejoice.
“Until the last hostage is here, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she said.
“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the efforts and ensure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is safely home.”
Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from detainment through a truce agreement earlier in the year.
Related Developments
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