Fireworks and a Cheer to Life: Israelis Delight at Agreement to Return Captives

The announcement of an agreement projected to result in the release of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has caused joy and comfort across the nation.

An organization that has advocated for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—which still must be agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails 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 recovered and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

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

A crowd started applauding and dancing beneath US and Israeli flags—one woman holding up a sign that read: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

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

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

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the announcement of his impending homecoming.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed 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 could be felt in the streets in Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then toasting “To life”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her friends, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You are coming back.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for an agreement that brings the homecoming of all those still being held in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We have waited for so long and here it is,” he expressed.

He said he was “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those coming back home but was “radiant with happiness” for the families of the hostages who are finally returning.

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

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

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

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.

However, she warned that it remained too soon to rejoice.

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

“Numerous events can happen until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the work and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when we have the last hostage back home.”

Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from captivity through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to first stage of Gaza agreement
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

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