Fireworks along with a Cheer to Life: Israelis Delight at Agreement Bringing Back Captives
The declaration regarding a deal expected to result in the freeing of hostages held within Gaza for more than 24 months has generated joy and comfort throughout the nation.
An organization that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.
The agreement—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.
To date, 148 hostages have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued.
Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square
Jubilant scenes have unfolded in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered ahead of the deal being signed.
The gathering started applauding and dancing beneath American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a placard saying: “We love Trump.”
“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.
Another, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the crowd dancing.
“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We need to see them come back home to their families.”
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Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks
The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the announcement that he would be returned home.
“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her child.
Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My son, you are returning home.”
The delight was palpable throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv following the news.
Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.
Their brother Liran Berman posted: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You’re coming home.”
Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for a deal which ensures the homecoming of everyone still detained in Gaza.
“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and here it is,” he expressed.
He stated he felt “broken” that his cousin would not be among those returning home but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are at last coming back.
Eitan Horn was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south along with his brother.
Cautious Optimism 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 for us. It seems that this could be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.
However, she warned that it was still too early to celebrate.
“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she affirmed.
“So many things might occur up to the final instant so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to thank everyone who was involved in the work and make sure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage safely home.”
Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.
Associated Updates
- ‘Historic chance’: Global response to first stage of Gaza peace deal
- What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal
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