Fireworks along with a Cheer to Life: Israeli Citizens Rejoice over Deal to Return Hostages

The announcement 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 comfort throughout Israel.

An organization which has campaigned for the release of Israeli captives in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

So far, 148 hostages have come back—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled before the agreement’s signing.

A crowd began clapping and moving to music under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee displaying a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” the woman said.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the crowd dancing.

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We need to see their return home to their families.”

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Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the news that he would be homecoming.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her child.

Viki Cohen, the mother of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”

The joy could be felt in the streets of Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You are coming back.”

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for a deal that brings the homecoming of everyone still detained in Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We have waited for such a long time and now it’s here,” he expressed.

He stated he felt “shattered” that Carmel will not be among those returning home yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the families of the hostages who are finally coming back.

Eitan Horn was seized from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother.

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she felt as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful 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 seems nearer than before,” she commented.

However, she warned that it was still too soon to rejoice.

“Until the last hostage returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she said.

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the efforts and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from detainment through a truce agreement earlier this year.

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

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