Fireworks along with a Toast for Life: Israeli Citizens Delight at Deal to Return Captives
The announcement of an agreement expected to lead to the freeing of hostages detained within Gaza for over 24 months has caused joy and relief across the nation.
A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.
The agreement—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.
So far, 148 captives have come back—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages were freed by rescue.
Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square
Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered ahead of the deal being signed.
A crowd began clapping and dancing under American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a sign saying: “We love Trump.”
“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.
Another, 50-year-old Yael, cried as she watched the crowd dancing.
“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We must witness them come back home to their families.”
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Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics
The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the news of his impending homecoming.
“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her daughter.
Viki Cohen, the parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”
The delight was palpable in the streets of Tel Aviv following the announcement.
Released Captives Say Prayers and Toasts
Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has advocated for the freedom 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 found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal that brings the return of all those still detained within Gaza.
“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he said.
He said he was “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those returning home but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the hostages who are finally returning.
Eitan Horn was seized from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling.
Cautious Optimism from Relatives
Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she felt like she was living “a dream state”.
“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and all he has accomplished for us. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion 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 returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she said.
“So many things might occur up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only once we have the last hostage safely home.”
Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was released from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.
Related Developments
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Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | The group