Fireworks and a Cheer to Life: Israeli Citizens Rejoice at Agreement to Return Captives
The announcement regarding a deal expected to result in the freeing captives detained in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has generated delight and relief throughout Israel.
An organization which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.
The agreement—which still must be approved by the Israeli war cabinet—involves the return of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.
To date, 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.
Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square
Jubilant scenes took place at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the agreement’s signing.
The gathering started applauding and dancing under US and Israeli flags—one woman displaying a placard saying: “We adore Trump.”
“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.
A different person, Yael, aged 50, wept as she watched the people celebrating.
“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she said. “We must witness them come back home to their families.”
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Relatives Rejoice Using Pyrotechnics
The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news that he would be homecoming.
“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her daughter.
Viki Cohen, the parent of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My son, you are returning home.”
The delight could be felt throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv following the news.
Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses
Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then cheering “To life”, meaning “for life”. She has been campaigning 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’re coming home.”
Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was captured on 7 October 2023, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other hostage families in pushing for an agreement that brings the homecoming of all those still being held in Gaza.
“I hardly believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and here it is,” he said.
He stated he felt “broken” that his cousin would not be among those coming back home yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the families of the captives who are at last coming back.
Eitan Horn was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling.
Cautious Optimism from Relatives
Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she felt as if she were in “in a dream”.
“We’re more than grateful to the President and everything he has done for us. We feel that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she commented.
However, she warned that it was still too early to celebrate.
“Before the final captive is here, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she affirmed.
“So many things can happen up to the final instant which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who was involved in the efforts and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice 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 released from captivity through a truce agreement earlier this year.
Related Developments
- ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
- What we know regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord
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