Fireworks along with a Toast to Life: Israelis Delight at Agreement to Return Hostages

The announcement regarding a deal expected to result in the release of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has generated delight and comfort throughout the nation.

A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli captives in Gaza expressed “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 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

So far, 148 hostages have come back—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been recovered and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

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

The gathering started applauding and moving to music beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee displaying a placard saying: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, cried while observing the people celebrating.

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We need to see their return home to their loved ones.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news that he would be homecoming.

“They are returning!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her child.

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

The joy could be felt throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their brother Liran Berman wrote: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You are coming back.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured 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 which ensures the homecoming of everyone still detained within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We have waited for so long and now it’s here,” he said.

He stated he felt “broken” that his cousin would not be among those returning home yet felt “glowing with joy” for the families of the hostages who are finally coming back.

Eitan Horn was seized 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 remains captive in Gaza, said she experienced as if she were in “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and everything he has done on our behalf. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than ever,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too soon to celebrate.

“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events can happen up to the final instant so this is why we’re being so, so careful. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the work and ensure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only once we have the last hostage safely home.”

Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel along with his brother Iair, who was released from detainment through a truce agreement earlier this year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | Hamas