Fireworks along with a Toast to Life: Israeli Citizens Delight at Deal to Return Captives

The announcement of an agreement projected to result in the freeing captives detained in the Gaza Strip for more than 24 months has generated delight and comfort throughout Israel.

A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The agreement—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

To date, 148 captives have come back—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals gathered before the deal being signed.

The gathering began clapping and dancing under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a sign saying: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the people celebrating.

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We must witness their return home to their families.”

• REAL-TIME RESPONSE: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Significant progress, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mother and sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the announcement of his impending returned home.

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said while holding her child.

Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”

The delight could be felt in the streets of Tel Aviv after the news.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “to life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her companions, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

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

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was captured in October 2023, and her body found in an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for an agreement that brings the return of everyone still being held in Gaza.

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

He said he was “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those coming back to their homes yet felt “glowing with joy” for the relatives 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 Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, remarked she experienced as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished for us. It seems like it might be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too early to celebrate.

“Before the final captive is here, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she said.

“So many things might occur until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who participated in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We will celebrate only when the last captive is back home.”

Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was freed from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• What we know about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | The group