Fireworks along with a Cheer to Life: Israeli Citizens Rejoice at Deal to Return Hostages
The declaration regarding a deal projected to result in the freeing captives held in the Gaza Strip for over 24 months has caused joy and relief across the nation.
A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.
The agreement—which still must be agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.
To date, 148 captives have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.
Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square
Jubilant scenes have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered before the deal being signed.
The gathering began clapping and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a sign saying: “We adore Trump.”
“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.
Another, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the people celebrating.
“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” 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 a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the announcement of his impending returned home.
“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her child.
Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My son, you are returning home.”
The joy was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv after the announcement.
Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced 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, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.
Their brother Liran Berman wrote: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You are coming back.”
The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in advocating for a deal which ensures the return of all those still being held within Gaza.
“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and here it is,” he expressed.
He said he felt “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those coming back to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are finally returning.
Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother.
Guarded Hope from Family Members
Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she experienced like she was living “in a dream”.
“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has done for us. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.
But she cautioned that it was still too soon to celebrate.
“Until the last hostage is here, we won’t open the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she said.
“So many things might occur until the last moment so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and ensure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only once the last captive is back home.”
Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was released from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.
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Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas