Fireworks along with a Cheer to Life: Israelis Delight at Agreement to Return Captives
The announcement of an agreement projected to result in the freeing captives detained in the Gaza Strip for over two years has caused joy and relief across the nation.
An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli captives in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.
The deal—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.
So far, 148 captives have come back—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been retrieved and eight hostages have been rescued.
Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square
Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the deal being signed.
The gathering began clapping and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a sign saying: “We adore Trump.”
“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.
Another, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the crowd dancing.
“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We must witness them come back home to their loved ones.”
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Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics
The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news that he would be returned home.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held 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 in Tel Aviv following the announcement.
Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then cheering “To life”, which means “for life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.
Their brother Liran Berman posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You are coming back.”
Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining 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 real. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he expressed.
He stated he felt “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those returning home yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the families 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 experienced as if she were in “in a dream”.
“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and all he has accomplished for us. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.
However, she warned that it was still too soon to rejoice.
“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she affirmed.
“So many things might occur until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. 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 when 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 detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.
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