Fireworks along with a Cheer to Life: Israeli Citizens Rejoice at Deal Bringing Back Captives

The declaration regarding a deal expected to result in the freeing of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip for over two years has generated joy and comfort across Israel.

A group which has campaigned for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—still requiring approved by the Israeli war cabinet—will see the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

To date, 148 captives have come back—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings took place at Hostages Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered before the deal being signed.

The gathering began clapping and moving to music under American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a sign that read: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” the woman said.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, cried as she watched the people celebrating.

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We need to see their return home to their families.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark deal
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the news of his impending returned home.

“They’re coming back!... 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 son, you are returning home.”

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

Released Captives Offer 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”, which means “for life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their brother Liran Berman posted: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You’re coming home.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, and her body found in an underground passage in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for an agreement that brings the homecoming of all those still being held within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and now it’s here,” he expressed.

He stated he felt “broken” that Carmel will not be among those coming back to their homes but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the captives who are at last 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 brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she felt like she was living “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished on our behalf. We feel that this could be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than ever,” she said.

However, she warned that it was still too soon to rejoice.

“Before the final captive returns, we’re not opening the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to thank everyone who was involved in the efforts and make sure this agreement is done... We will celebrate only when we have the last hostage back home.”

Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from captivity in a ceasefire deal earlier this year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza conflict | The nation | Hamas