Fireworks along with a Cheer to Life: Israelis Rejoice at Agreement to Return Hostages
The announcement of an agreement projected to result in the release captives held within Gaza for over 24 months has caused joy and relief across the nation.
An organization which has campaigned for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.
The deal—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.
So far, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued.
Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square
Joyous gatherings took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled before the deal being signed.
The gathering started applauding and dancing under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a sign saying: “We adore Trump.”
“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.
A different person, 50-year-old Yael, cried while observing the people celebrating.
“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We need to see their return home to their families.”
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Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics
The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending homecoming.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her child.
Viki Cohen, the parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My child, you are coming home.”
The delight was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the announcement.
Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, which means “to life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.
Their sibling Liran Berman wrote: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You are coming back.”
The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, with her remains recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in advocating for a deal that brings the return of all those still detained in Gaza.
“I can’t quite 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 would not be among those returning to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the hostages who are finally returning.
Eitan Horn was seized from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling.
Guarded Hope from Relatives
Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she felt like she was living “a dream state”.
“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished for us. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.
However, she warned that it remained too soon to rejoice.
“Until the last hostage is here, we won’t open the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she said.
“So many things might occur up to the final instant so this 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 will celebrate only once the last captive is safely home.”
Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was released from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.
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Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas
