Fireworks along with a Toast to Life: Israelis Rejoice over Agreement to Return Hostages

The announcement regarding a deal projected to lead to the release of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has caused joy and relief throughout Israel.

An organization that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

To date, 148 captives have come back—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered ahead of the deal being signed.

A crowd started applauding and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—one woman displaying a placard that read: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, cried while observing the crowd dancing.

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We need to see their return home to their families.”

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Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the announcement that he would be returned home.

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her daughter.

Viki Cohen, the mother of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My son, you are returning home.”

The joy could be felt throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their brother Liran Berman posted: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You are coming back.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in pushing for an agreement which ensures the return of all those still being held in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for so long and here it is,” he said.

He stated he was “broken” that his cousin would not be among those coming back home but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are at last coming back.

Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother.

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she experienced like she was living “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.

However, she warned that it was still too soon to rejoice.

“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events might occur until the last moment so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only when the last captive is safely home.”

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

Related Developments

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