Fireworks and a Toast for Life: Israeli Citizens Delight at Agreement Bringing Back Hostages
The declaration regarding a deal projected to result in the freeing of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has caused delight and relief throughout the nation.
A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.
The agreement—still requiring approved by Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.
So far, 148 captives have been returned—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued.
Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square
Joyous gatherings took place in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered ahead of the agreement’s signing.
The gathering started applauding and moving to music under American and Israeli banners—one woman holding up a sign that read: “We love Trump.”
“This is a wondrous day,” the woman said.
Another, 50-year-old Yael, wept as she watched the people celebrating.
“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We must witness them come back home to their families.”
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Families Celebrate with Fireworks
The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news that he would be returned home.
“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her child.
Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My son, you are returning home.”
The delight was palpable in the streets in Tel Aviv after the news.
Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Raise Glasses
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.
Their brother Liran Berman posted: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You’re coming home.”
The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from 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 in Gaza.
“I can’t quite believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for so long and now it’s here,” he expressed.
He said he felt “shattered” that Carmel will not be among those returning home yet felt “glowing with joy” for the families 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.
Guarded Hope from Family Members
Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she experienced as if she were in “a dream state”.
“We’re more than grateful to the President and all he has done for us. It seems that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented.
However, she warned that it remained too soon to rejoice.
“Until the last hostage returns, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she affirmed.
“Numerous events might occur until the last moment so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to thank everyone who was involved in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only once we have the last hostage back home.”
Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was freed from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.
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