Fireworks and a Toast to Life: Israelis Delight over Agreement Bringing Back Captives
The announcement regarding a deal projected to result in the freeing captives detained within Gaza for more than 24 months has caused joy and comfort across the nation.
A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli captives held in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.
The agreement—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—involves the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.
So far, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.
Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square
Jubilant scenes have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered ahead of the agreement’s signing.
A crowd began clapping and dancing beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a placard saying: “We love Trump.”
“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.
A different person, 50-year-old Yael, cried as she watched the crowd dancing.
“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We need to see 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 to mark the news that he would be returned home.
“They are returning!... Matan is coming 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 was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv after the news.
Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses
Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then cheering “To life”, which means “to life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.
Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You are coming back.”
The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for an agreement that brings the return of all those still detained in Gaza.
“I can’t quite believe this is real. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he expressed.
He said he was “broken” that Carmel would not be among those coming back to their homes yet felt “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the hostages who are finally coming back.
Eitan Horn was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling.
Cautious Optimism from Relatives
Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she experienced like she was living “a dream state”.
“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented.
However, she warned that it was still too early to celebrate.
“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she said.
“So many things might occur until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and ensure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only once the last captive is 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.
Related Developments
- ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza peace deal
- Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord
Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | Hamas
