Fireworks along with a Cheer for Life: Israelis Rejoice at Agreement Bringing Back Hostages
The announcement of an agreement projected to result in the release of hostages detained within Gaza for more than 24 months has caused delight and relief throughout Israel.
An organization which has campaigned for the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.
The agreement—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.
To date, 148 hostages have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages were freed by rescue.
Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square
Joyous gatherings took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled before the deal being signed.
The gathering began clapping and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a sign saying: “We love Trump.”
“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.
A different person, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the people celebrating.
“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We must witness their return home to their loved ones.”
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Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks
The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the news that he would be returned home.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her daughter.
Viki Cohen, the mother 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.
Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then toasting “To life”, meaning “to life”. She has advocated for the release of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.
Their brother Liran Berman wrote: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You’re coming home.”
The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for an agreement that brings the homecoming of everyone still detained within Gaza.
“I hardly believe this is real. We have waited for such a long time and now it’s here,” he expressed.
He stated he was “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those coming back to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are finally returning.
Eitan Horn was seized from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south along with his brother.
Guarded Hope from Relatives
Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she experienced as if she were in “a dream state”.
“We are immensely thankful to the President and everything he has done for us. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented.
But she cautioned that it was still too soon to rejoice.
“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she affirmed.
“Numerous events can happen 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 agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when we have the last hostage back home.”
Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel 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 initial phase of Gaza peace deal
- What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord
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