Fireworks along with a Cheer for Life: Israeli Citizens Delight at Deal to Return Captives

The announcement regarding a deal expected to lead to the freeing of hostages detained within Gaza for more than two years has generated delight and comfort throughout the nation.

A group which has campaigned for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it termed 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 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

To date, 148 hostages have been returned—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled before the agreement’s signing.

A crowd began clapping and moving to music under American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

Another, Yael, aged 50, wept as she watched the crowd dancing.

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We must witness their return home to their loved ones.”

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Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending returned home.

“They are returning!... 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 joy was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv after the announcement.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You’re coming home.”

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, and her body found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in advocating for an agreement that brings the return of all those still detained in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We have waited for such a long time and now it’s here,” he expressed.

He stated he was “broken” that his cousin will not be among those returning to their homes yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are at last coming back.

Eitan Horn was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling.

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she felt as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and all he has done for us. We feel that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it was still too soon to celebrate.

“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she said.

“So many things might occur until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the work and ensure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only when the last captive is back home.”

Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was released from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
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Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas