Fireworks along with a Toast for Life: Israeli Citizens Delight over Agreement Bringing Back Hostages

The declaration regarding a deal expected to lead to the freeing of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has caused joy and relief throughout Israel.

A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s 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 prisons and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

To date, 148 captives have come back—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the agreement’s signing.

A crowd began clapping and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a placard saying: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

Another, Yael, aged 50, 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 families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the announcement that he would be returned home.

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her daughter.

Viki Cohen, the mother of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”

The delight was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the news.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then cheering “To life”, which means “to life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom 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.”

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal which ensures the return of all those still detained within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for so long and here it is,” he said.

He stated he felt “shattered” that his cousin will not be among those returning home yet felt “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last coming back.

Eitan Horn was seized from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling.

Cautious Optimism 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 are immensely thankful to the President and everything he has accomplished for us. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.

However, she warned that it was still too soon to celebrate.

“Before the final captive is here, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she said.

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the work and ensure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only when the last captive is back home.”

Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was released from captivity through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza agreement
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

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