Fireworks along with a Toast for Life: Israelis Rejoice over Agreement Bringing Back Captives
The announcement of an agreement expected to lead to the freeing of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for over two years has generated joy and comfort throughout the nation.
A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.
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 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.
To date, 148 captives have come back—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered while eight hostages have been rescued.
Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square
Joyous gatherings have unfolded in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the deal being signed.
The gathering began clapping and dancing under American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a sign saying: “We love Trump.”
“This is a wondrous day,” the woman said.
A different person, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the people celebrating.
“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We must witness their return home to their loved ones.”
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Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics
The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the announcement of his impending homecoming.
“They’re coming back!... 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 child, you are coming home.”
The joy was palpable in the streets of Tel Aviv following the announcement.
Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, meaning “to life”. She has been campaigning for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.
Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “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 found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in advocating for a deal that brings the homecoming of all those still being held in Gaza.
“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for such a long time and now it’s here,” he expressed.
He said he was “broken” that Carmel would not be among those returning home yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are at last 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 is still held in Gaza, said she felt like she was living “in a dream”.
“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 ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she said.
But she cautioned that it was still too soon to rejoice.
“Until the last hostage returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she said.
“So many things can happen until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who participated in the efforts and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is back home.”
Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.
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Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | Hamas
