Fireworks and a Cheer for Life: Israeli Citizens Delight over Agreement to Return Captives

The announcement of an agreement expected to result in the freeing of hostages detained within Gaza for more than 24 months has caused joy and comfort throughout Israel.

An organization that has advocated for the return of Israeli captives held in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—which still must be agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

To date, 148 captives have come back—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings took place at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the deal being signed.

A crowd began clapping and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a sign saying: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

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

“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We need to see them come back home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
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• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the announcement of his impending homecoming.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way 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 after the news.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “to life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You are coming back.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in advocating for an agreement that brings the homecoming of everyone still being held in Gaza.

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

He said he was “shattered” that Carmel will not be among those returning home but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are at last coming back.

Eitan Horn was seized from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling.

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she experienced as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We’re more than grateful to the President and all he has accomplished for us. We feel like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.

However, she warned that it remained too early to rejoice.

“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events can happen up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who participated in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when the last captive is back home.”

Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was freed from detainment through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to first stage of Gaza agreement
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

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