Fireworks along with a Cheer for Life: Israelis Rejoice at Deal to Return Hostages
The announcement regarding a deal expected to result in the release of hostages held within Gaza for more than two years has caused joy and comfort across the nation.
A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” 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 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.
So far, 148 captives have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.
Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square
Joyous gatherings took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled before the agreement’s signing.
A crowd started applauding and moving to music under American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a sign saying: “We love Trump.”
“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.
A different person, 50-year-old Yael, wept as she watched the people celebrating.
“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We must witness them come back home to their families.”
- LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza deal
- Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate deal
- ANALYSIS: Significant progress, though conflict continues
Families Celebrate with Fireworks
The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the announcement of his impending returned home.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her child.
Viki Cohen, the parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My son, you are returning home.”
The joy was palpable in the streets in Tel Aviv following the news.
Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts
Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, meaning “to life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.
Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You are coming back.”
Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, with her remains recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for an agreement which ensures the homecoming of everyone still detained within Gaza.
“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he said.
He said he was “broken” that Carmel will not be among those returning home yet felt “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are at last coming back.
Eitan Horn was seized from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother.
Cautious Optimism from Family Members
Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law 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 accomplished for us. We feel like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she said.
However, she warned that it was still too early to celebrate.
“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 up to the final instant so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to thank everyone who was involved in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only once we have the last hostage back home.”
Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was released from detainment through a truce agreement earlier this year.
Associated Updates
- ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
- Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord
Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas
