Fireworks along with a Cheer to Life: Israeli Citizens Delight at Agreement Bringing Back Captives
The declaration of an agreement expected to result in the freeing captives held in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has generated delight and relief across the nation.
An organization that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.
The agreement—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.
To date, 148 captives have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.
Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square
Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered before the agreement’s signing.
A crowd started applauding and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”
“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.
Another, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the people celebrating.
“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We need to see their return home to their loved ones.”
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Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks
The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending returned home.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her child.
Viki Cohen, the parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My child, you are coming home.”
The delight was palpable in the streets in Tel Aviv following the announcement.
Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses
Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “to life”. She has advocated for the release of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.
Their brother Liran Berman posted: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You’re coming home.”
Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for a deal which ensures the homecoming of all those still detained within Gaza.
“I hardly believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and here it is,” he said.
He said he was “shattered” that Carmel will not be among those coming back to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last coming back.
Eitan Horn was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother.
Cautious Optimism from Family Members
Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she experienced as if she were in “a dream state”.
“We are immensely thankful to the President 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 ever,” she commented.
However, she warned that it was still too soon to rejoice.
“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she said.
“So many things can happen up to the final instant so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is 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 this year.
Related Developments
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