Fireworks along with a Toast to Life: Israeli Citizens Rejoice over Deal to Return Hostages
The declaration regarding a deal expected to result in the release of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for over 24 months has generated joy and comfort across the nation.
A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli captives in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.
The agreement—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.
To date, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.
Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square
Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled before the agreement’s signing.
A crowd began clapping and dancing beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a placard saying: “We love Trump.”
“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.
A different person, Yael, aged 50, wept as she watched the crowd dancing.
“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We need to see their return home to their loved ones.”
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Families Celebrate with Fireworks
The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the announcement of his impending homecoming.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her child.
Viki Cohen, the mother 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 after the announcement.
Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, which means “to life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.
Their brother Liran Berman posted: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You are coming back.”
Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal which ensures the return of all those still being held within Gaza.
“I hardly believe this is real. We have waited for so long and here it is,” he said.
He said he felt “shattered” that his cousin will 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 southern Israel along with his brother.
Guarded Hope from Family Members
Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she experienced as if she were in “a dream state”.
“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and all he has done on our behalf. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.
However, she warned that it was still too early to rejoice.
“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.
“Numerous events might occur until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who was involved in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when we have the last hostage safely home.”
Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was released from detainment through a truce agreement earlier in the year.
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Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas
