Fireworks and a Toast for Life: Israelis Rejoice over Agreement to Return Captives

The announcement of an agreement expected to result in the freeing captives held within Gaza for over 24 months has generated delight and relief across the nation.

An organization which has campaigned for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners 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 sets of remains have been recovered and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the deal being signed.

The gathering began clapping and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, wept as she watched the crowd dancing.

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We need to see their return home to their families.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark deal
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news that he would be returned home.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her daughter.

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

The joy was palpable in the streets of Tel Aviv after the news.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, meaning “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their sibling Liran Berman wrote: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You are coming back.”

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in pushing for an agreement which ensures the homecoming of all those still being held in Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is real. We have waited for so long and here it is,” he expressed.

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

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she felt as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to the President and everything he has done on our behalf. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.

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

“Until the last hostage returns, we won’t open the champagne. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she said.

“Numerous events can happen until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage safely home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | Hamas