Fireworks along with a Cheer to Life: Israeli Citizens Delight over Agreement to Return Captives

The declaration regarding a deal expected to result in the release of hostages detained within Gaza for over two years has caused joy and relief throughout Israel.

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

The agreement—which still must be agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—involves the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

So far, 148 captives have been returned—largely through earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.

A crowd began clapping and dancing under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a sign saying: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, cried as she watched the people celebrating.

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

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark the agreement
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

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

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her child.

Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”

The joy could be felt in the streets of Tel Aviv after the news.

Released Captives 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”, which means “for life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from an underground passage 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 detained in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and now it’s here,” he said.

He said he was “shattered” that Carmel will not be among those returning to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the hostages who are finally coming back.

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

Guarded Hope from Relatives

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 everything he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than before,” she commented.

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

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

“Numerous events can happen until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who participated in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only when the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was freed from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

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