Fireworks and a Cheer for Life: Israeli Citizens Delight at Deal Bringing Back Hostages

The declaration of an agreement expected to result in the release captives detained in the Gaza Strip for over two years has generated joy and comfort across Israel.

A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered before the deal being signed.

The gathering began clapping and dancing beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a placard saying: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” the woman said.

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

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We need to see them come back home to their loved ones.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the announcement of his impending homecoming.

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her child.

Viki Cohen, the parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My son, you are returning home.”

The delight was palpable throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their brother Liran Berman posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You’re coming home.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for an agreement which ensures the homecoming of all those still detained in Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he said.

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

Eitan Horn was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling.

Guarded Hope from Relatives

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 the President and all he has done for us. We feel that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.

But she cautioned that it remained too soon to rejoice.

“Before the final captive is here, we won’t open the champagne. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she said.

“So many things might occur until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want 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 southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was released from detainment through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to first stage of Gaza agreement
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

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