Fireworks along with a Cheer for Life: Israelis Rejoice at Agreement Bringing Back Hostages
The declaration of an agreement projected to lead to the freeing of hostages held within Gaza for more than 24 months has caused joy and relief throughout Israel.
An organization that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.
The agreement—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—involves the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.
To date, 148 hostages have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.
Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square
Jubilant scenes have unfolded at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.
A crowd began clapping and dancing under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”
“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.
Another, Yael, aged 50, wept as she watched the people celebrating.
“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We must witness them come back home to their loved ones.”
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Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks
The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending returned home.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her daughter.
Viki Cohen, the parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My son, you are returning home.”
The delight was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the news.
Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts
Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.
Their brother Liran Berman wrote: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You are coming back.”
Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in advocating for an agreement that brings the return of all those still detained within Gaza.
“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for such a long time and now it’s here,” he said.
He stated he was “broken” that his cousin would not be among those returning home yet felt “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are at last coming back.
Eitan Horn was seized from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south along with his brother.
Cautious Optimism from Family Members
Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she felt as if she were in “a dream state”.
“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and all he has done for us. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.
However, she warned that it was still too early to celebrate.
“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she said.
“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the efforts and make sure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage safely home.”
Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was released from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.
Associated Updates
- ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza agreement
- Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal
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