Fireworks along with a Cheer for Life: Israeli Citizens Delight at Deal to Return Hostages
The declaration regarding a deal projected to result in the freeing of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for over 24 months has generated delight and comfort throughout the nation.
An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.
The deal—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.
To date, 148 hostages have been returned—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.
Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square
Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the deal being signed.
A crowd started applauding and dancing beneath US and Israeli flags—one woman holding up a placard saying: “We love Trump.”
“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.
Another, Yael, aged 50, cried as she watched the crowd dancing.
“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We need to see their return home to their loved ones.”
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Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics
The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the announcement that he would be homecoming.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her child.
Viki Cohen, the mother of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My child, you are coming home.”
The joy was palpable throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv after the announcement.
Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses
Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then toasting “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.
Their sibling Liran Berman wrote: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You’re coming home.”
Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for an agreement which ensures the homecoming of everyone still being held within Gaza.
“I hardly believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for so long and here it is,” he said.
He stated he was “broken” that his cousin will not be among those coming back to their homes yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last coming back.
Eitan Horn was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling.
Cautious Optimism from Family Members
Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she felt like she was living “in a dream”.
“We’re more than grateful to the President and everything he has done for us. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she said.
However, she warned that it remained too soon to celebrate.
“Until the last hostage returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.
“Numerous events might occur until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage safely home.”
Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was released from detainment through a truce agreement earlier in the year.
Associated Updates
- ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
- What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord
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