Fireworks and a Cheer to Life: Israeli Citizens Delight at Agreement to Return Hostages

The announcement of an agreement expected to lead to the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has generated joy and comfort across Israel.

An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli captives held in Gaza voiced “profound gratitude” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—which still must be approved by Israel’s war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 captives have come back—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been retrieved while eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered ahead of the deal being signed.

A crowd started applauding and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—one woman displaying a sign saying: “We adore Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

Another, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the people celebrating.

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We must witness them come back home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark deal
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending returned home.

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

Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My son, you are returning home.”

The joy was palpable in the streets in Tel Aviv following the news.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then toasting “To life”, meaning “to life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her friends, 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 taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body found in an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in advocating for a deal which ensures the homecoming of everyone still being held 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 stated he felt “broken” that Carmel will not be among those coming back to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the hostages who are at last returning.

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

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked 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 like it might be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

However, she warned that it was still too soon to celebrate.

“Until the last hostage returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to express gratitude to all who participated in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only once the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was captured from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was released from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to first stage of Gaza agreement
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas