Fireworks and a Cheer to Life: Israelis Rejoice over Agreement Bringing Back Hostages

The declaration regarding a deal projected to lead to the release captives detained within Gaza for over two years has caused delight and relief throughout the nation.

An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli captives in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

So far, 148 captives have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the agreement’s signing.

The gathering began clapping and dancing beneath US and Israeli flags—one woman holding up a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, cried as she watched the people celebrating.

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We must witness their return home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark deal
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the news that he would be returned home.

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her child.

Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My child, you are coming home.”

The delight was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv after the news.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then toasting “To life”, which means “to life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, with her remains recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for an agreement which ensures the return of everyone still being held within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We have waited for such a long time and now it’s here,” he expressed.

He stated he was “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those returning to their homes 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 Israel’s south along with his brother.

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she experienced as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and everything he has accomplished for us. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

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

“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events can happen up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the work and ensure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only once we have the last hostage back home.”

Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

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