Fireworks along with a Cheer to Life: Israelis Delight at Agreement to Return Hostages
The announcement of an agreement expected to result in the freeing of hostages held within Gaza for over 24 months has caused joy and relief throughout Israel.
An organization which has campaigned for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.
The agreement—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.
To date, 148 hostages have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.
Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square
Joyous gatherings took place at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered before the deal being signed.
The gathering began clapping and moving to music beneath US and Israeli flags—one woman holding up a placard saying: “We love Trump.”
“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.
A different person, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the people celebrating.
“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We need to see their return home to their loved ones.”
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Families Celebrate with Fireworks
The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the announcement of his impending returned home.
“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her child.
Viki Cohen, the parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My son, you are returning home.”
The delight could be felt in the streets in Tel Aviv following the announcement.
Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “To life”, meaning “to life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.
Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You’re coming home.”
The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for a deal that brings the return of all those still detained in Gaza.
“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long 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 returning.
Eitan Horn was seized from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling.
Guarded Hope from Relatives
Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she felt like she was living “in a dream”.
“We’re more than grateful to the President and all he has done on our behalf. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented.
But she cautioned that it remained too early to celebrate.
“Until the last hostage is here, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.
“So many things might occur until the last moment so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and ensure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice 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 freed from captivity through a truce agreement earlier in the year.
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Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas
