Fireworks along with a Cheer for Life: Israelis Rejoice at Deal Bringing Back Captives
The announcement of an agreement projected to result in the freeing captives detained in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has caused delight and relief across Israel.
An organization that has advocated for the return of Israeli captives held in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.
The agreement—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.
To date, 148 hostages have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.
Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square
Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the agreement’s signing.
The gathering started applauding and moving to music beneath US and Israeli flags—one woman holding up a placard saying: “We adore Trump.”
“This is a wondrous day,” the woman said.
Another, Yael, aged 50, cried as she watched the people celebrating.
“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We need to see their return home to their loved ones.”
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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 announcement that he would be homecoming.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her daughter.
Viki Cohen, the parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My child, you are coming home.”
The joy could be felt throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv after the news.
Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then toasting “To life”, which means “for 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.”
The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other captives’ relatives in advocating for an agreement that brings the homecoming of everyone still being held within Gaza.
“I hardly believe this is real. We have waited for so long and here it is,” he expressed.
He stated he felt “broken” that Carmel would not be among those coming back to their homes yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are finally coming back.
Eitan Horn was seized from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother.
Cautious Optimism from Relatives
Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage 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 all he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she said.
However, she warned that it was still too soon to celebrate.
“Until the last hostage returns, we’re not opening the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she affirmed.
“Numerous events might occur until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and make sure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage safely home.”
Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from captivity through a truce agreement earlier in the year.
Related Developments
- ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza agreement
- What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord
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