Fireworks along with a Cheer for Life: Israelis Delight at Deal to Return Hostages

The declaration of an agreement projected to result in the freeing captives held within Gaza for more than two years has caused delight and comfort throughout the nation.

A group which has campaigned for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—involves the return of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.

To date, 148 hostages have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled before the agreement’s signing.

A crowd began clapping and dancing under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a placard that read: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, cried while observing the crowd dancing.

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We must witness them come back home to their loved ones.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza deal
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• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the announcement that he would be homecoming.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her daughter.

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

The delight could be felt throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv after the news.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, meaning “for life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their brother Liran Berman wrote: “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, and her body found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in pushing for an agreement that brings the homecoming of all those still being held in Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for so long and now it’s here,” he said.

He stated he was “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those returning home yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the families of the hostages who are at last coming back.

Eitan Horn was seized from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother.

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she felt as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has done on our behalf. We feel that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.

But she cautioned that it was still too soon to rejoice.

“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage back home.”

Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | Hamas