Fireworks and a Toast to Life: Israelis Delight at Deal Bringing Back Captives

The announcement of an agreement expected to result in the freeing of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has generated delight and comfort throughout the nation.

A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—involves the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

To date, 148 hostages have been returned—most as part of 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 in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered before the agreement’s signing.

A crowd started applauding and dancing under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a placard saying: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, cried as she watched 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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Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the announcement that he would be homecoming.

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her child.

Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My son, you are returning home.”

The delight was palpable throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv following the news.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal that brings the return of everyone still being held within Gaza.

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

He said he felt “shattered” that Carmel will not be among those returning to their homes yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last returning.

Eitan Horn was seized from kibbutz Nir Oz 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 experienced as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than before,” she said.

But she cautioned that it was still too soon to celebrate.

“Until the last hostage returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant so this 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 shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage back home.”

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was released from captivity through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

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Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas