Fireworks along with a Toast for Life: Israelis Delight over Agreement to Return Captives
The declaration regarding a deal projected to result in the release captives held in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has caused delight and relief across Israel.
An organization which has campaigned for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.
The deal—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.
To date, 148 captives have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.
Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square
Jubilant scenes have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered before the deal being signed.
A crowd began clapping and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a sign that read: “We love Trump.”
“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.
Another, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the crowd dancing.
“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We need to see their return home to their loved ones.”
- LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza agreement
- Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
- ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues
Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics
The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending returned home.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her daughter.
Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My child, you are coming home.”
The delight could be felt throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv after the announcement.
Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then toasting “To life”, meaning “for life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.
Their brother 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, and her body found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in advocating for an agreement that brings the homecoming of all those still detained within Gaza.
“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and here it is,” he said.
He stated he was “broken” that Carmel will not be among those returning to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last coming back.
Eitan Horn was seized from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother.
Cautious Optimism from Relatives
Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she felt like she was living “a dream state”.
“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished for us. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.
But she cautioned that it was still too early to rejoice.
“Until the last hostage is here, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she affirmed.
“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only when the last captive is back home.”
Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was released from captivity through a truce agreement earlier this year.
Associated Updates
- ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza peace deal
- Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord
Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | The group
