Fireworks and a Cheer for Life: Israeli Citizens Delight over Agreement Bringing Back Hostages
The declaration of an agreement expected to result in the release of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has caused joy and comfort throughout the nation.
An organization which has campaigned for the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.
The agreement—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—involves the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.
To date, 148 hostages have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.
Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square
Joyous gatherings took place in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered ahead of the agreement’s signing.
The gathering started applauding and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”
“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.
A different person, Yael, aged 50, wept as she watched the people celebrating.
“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We must witness them come back home to their loved ones.”
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Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks
The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the announcement that he would be returned home.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her child.
Viki Cohen, the parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”
The delight was palpable in the streets of Tel Aviv after the news.
Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts
Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then cheering “To life”, meaning “to life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.
Their brother 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 almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for an agreement which ensures the return of everyone still detained in Gaza.
“I can’t quite believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and now it’s here,” he said.
He said he felt “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those returning to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the families 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 Family Members
Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she felt like she was living “in a dream”.
“We’re more than grateful to the President and everything he has accomplished for us. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.
But she cautioned that it remained too early to rejoice.
“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the champagne. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she said.
“So many things might occur until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to express gratitude to all who was involved in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when the last captive is safely home.”
Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was released from detainment through a truce agreement earlier in the year.
Associated Updates
- ‘Historic chance’: Global response to first stage of Gaza peace deal
- Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal
Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas
