Fireworks along with a Cheer to Life: Israeli Citizens Delight at Agreement to Return Captives
The declaration of an agreement expected to lead to the release of hostages held within Gaza for more than 24 months has generated delight and comfort throughout Israel.
An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.
The deal—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—involves the release of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.
To date, 148 hostages have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.
Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square
Joyous gatherings took place in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.
The gathering began clapping and moving to music beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”
“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.
A different person, Yael, aged 50, wept as she watched the people celebrating.
“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We need to see their return home to their families.”
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Families Celebrate with Fireworks
The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the announcement of his impending homecoming.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her daughter.
Viki Cohen, the mother of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My son, you are returning home.”
The delight was palpable in the streets of Tel Aviv following the announcement.
Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses
Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “to life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.
Their brother Liran Berman posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You are coming back.”
The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal which ensures the return of all those still detained in Gaza.
“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and now it’s here,” he said.
He said he felt “shattered” that his cousin will not be among those returning home but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the hostages who are finally coming back.
Eitan Horn was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother.
Cautious Optimism from Family Members
Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she experienced like she was living “in a dream”.
“We are immensely thankful to the President and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she said.
However, she warned that it was still too early to celebrate.
“Until the last hostage is here, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.
“So many things might occur up to the final instant so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to thank everyone who was involved in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is back home.”
Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was released from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.
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