Fireworks along with a Toast for Life: Israelis Delight over Deal Bringing Back Captives
The announcement regarding a deal projected to lead to the release of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has caused delight and comfort across the nation.
A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.
The agreement—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners 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 earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages were freed by rescue.
Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square
Joyous gatherings have unfolded in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the agreement’s signing.
The gathering started applauding and dancing under US and Israeli flags—one woman holding up a placard that read: “We love Trump.”
“This is a wondrous day,” the woman said.
A different person, 50-year-old Yael, wept as she watched the people celebrating.
“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We must witness their return home to their loved ones.”
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Families Celebrate with Fireworks
The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news that he would be returned home.
“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her daughter.
Viki Cohen, the mother of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My son, you are returning home.”
The delight could be felt in the streets in Tel Aviv after the news.
Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts
Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, which means “to life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.
Their brother Liran Berman wrote: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You are coming back.”
The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal which ensures the homecoming of everyone still detained within Gaza.
“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he expressed.
He said he was “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those coming back home yet felt “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last coming back.
Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling.
Guarded Hope from Relatives
Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she experienced like she was living “in a dream”.
“We’re more than grateful to the President 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 feels closer than before,” she said.
But she cautioned that it was still too soon to celebrate.
“Until the last hostage is here, we won’t open the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she affirmed.
“Numerous events can happen until the last moment so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to thank everyone who was involved in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage safely home.”
Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was released from captivity through a truce agreement earlier in the year.
Related Developments
- ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
- Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord
Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas
