Fireworks along with a Cheer for Life: Israeli Citizens Rejoice over Deal to Return Hostages

The declaration regarding a deal expected to lead to the freeing captives detained within Gaza for over two years has generated joy and comfort throughout Israel.

A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 hostages have come back—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered ahead of the deal being signed.

A crowd began clapping and dancing beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the crowd dancing.

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending homecoming.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her daughter.

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

The delight could be felt in the streets in Tel Aviv following the news.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “to life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

Their sibling Liran Berman wrote: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You’re coming home.”

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for an agreement that brings the return of everyone still being held within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We have waited for such a long time and here it is,” he expressed.

He said he felt “shattered” that Carmel would not be among those returning home but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are at last coming back.

Eitan Horn was seized from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling.

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she felt like she was living “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to the President and everything he has accomplished for us. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too early to rejoice.

“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant which 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 we have the last hostage back home.”

Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was released from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to first stage of Gaza agreement
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

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