Fireworks and a Toast for Life: Israelis Rejoice at Deal Bringing Back Captives
The announcement regarding a deal expected to result in the release of hostages detained within Gaza for over 24 months has generated joy and relief throughout the nation.
A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.
The agreement—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.
To date, 148 hostages have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.
Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square
Joyous gatherings took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the deal being signed.
The gathering started applauding and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—one woman displaying a placard saying: “We adore Trump.”
“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.
Another, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the people celebrating.
“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We need to see them come back home to their loved ones.”
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Families Celebrate with Fireworks
The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the announcement that he would be returned home.
“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her child.
Viki Cohen, the mother of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My son, you are returning home.”
The joy was palpable throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv after the news.
Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses
Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then toasting “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has been campaigning 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’re coming home.”
Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for an agreement that brings the homecoming of everyone still detained in Gaza.
“I hardly believe this is real. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he said.
He stated he felt “shattered” that Carmel will not be among those coming back to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are finally returning.
Eitan Horn was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother.
Cautious Optimism from Relatives
Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she felt as if she were in “a dream state”.
“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has done on our behalf. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.
However, she warned that it was still too early to celebrate.
“Before the final captive is here, we won’t open the champagne. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.
“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only once we have the last hostage safely home.”
Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was freed from captivity through a truce agreement earlier this year.
Associated Updates
- ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
- What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal
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