Fireworks along with a Cheer to Life: Israeli Citizens Delight at Agreement Bringing Back Hostages
The announcement of an agreement expected to lead to the release captives detained in the Gaza Strip for over two years has caused delight and relief throughout Israel.
A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.
The deal—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.
So far, 148 hostages have come back—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued.
Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square
Jubilant scenes have unfolded at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people assembled before the agreement’s signing.
The gathering started applauding and dancing beneath US and Israeli flags—one woman holding up a placard that read: “We love Trump.”
“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.
A different person, 50-year-old Yael, cried as she watched the crowd dancing.
“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she stated. “We must witness their return home to their loved ones.”
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Families Celebrate with Fireworks
The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending homecoming.
“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her child.
Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My son, you are returning home.”
The delight could be felt throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv after the announcement.
Released Captives Offer Prayers and Toasts
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, which means “for life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.
Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You’re coming home.”
The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in an underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for an agreement which ensures the homecoming of everyone still being held within Gaza.
“I hardly believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for so long and now it’s here,” he expressed.
He stated he was “broken” that Carmel would not be among those returning home yet felt “glowing with joy” for the relatives of the captives who are finally coming back.
Eitan Horn was seized from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother.
Cautious Optimism from Family Members
Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she experienced like she was living “in a dream”.
“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has accomplished for us. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.
However, she warned that it was still too soon to rejoice.
“Before the final captive is here, we won’t open the bubbly. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she said.
“Numerous events might occur until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who was involved in the efforts and make sure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when the last captive is back home.”
Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was released from captivity through a truce agreement earlier in the year.
Related Developments
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