Fireworks and a Cheer for Life: Israeli Citizens Delight over Agreement Bringing Back Captives
The announcement of an agreement expected to lead to the freeing of hostages detained within Gaza for over 24 months has generated delight and comfort throughout Israel.
An organization that has advocated for the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.
The agreement—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from Gaza.
So far, 148 captives have come back—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 sets of remains have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued.
Jubilant Scenes in Hostages’ Square
Joyous gatherings took place in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered ahead of the deal being signed.
A crowd began clapping and dancing under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee holding up a sign that read: “We love Trump.”
“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.
A different person, Yael, aged 50, cried while observing the people celebrating.
“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We must witness their return home to their loved ones.”
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Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks
The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news of his impending returned home.
“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her daughter.
Viki Cohen, the parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My son, you are returning home.”
The joy was palpable in the streets in Tel Aviv following the news.
Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses
Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then toasting “L’chaim”, which means “to life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.
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 on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in advocating for an agreement that brings the return of everyone still being held within Gaza.
“I can’t quite believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for so long and now it’s here,” he expressed.
He said he felt “broken” that Carmel will not be among those coming back to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are finally coming back.
Eitan Horn was seized from kibbutz Nir Oz 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 “in a dream”.
“We are immensely thankful to the President and everything he has done for us. We feel like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.
But she cautioned that it was still too early to rejoice.
“Until the last hostage is here, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she said.
“So many things can happen up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is back home.”
Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from captivity through a truce agreement earlier this year.
Related Developments
- ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza agreement
- What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal
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