Fireworks and a Cheer for Life: Israelis Rejoice over Agreement Bringing Back Captives

The declaration regarding a deal expected to result in the release captives held in the Gaza Strip for more than two years has caused joy and comfort throughout Israel.

A group that has advocated for the release of Israeli captives in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—involves the return 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.

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

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered before the deal being signed.

The gathering started applauding and moving to music under American and Israeli banners—a female attendee displaying a sign saying: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

A different person, Yael, aged 50, wept as she watched the crowd dancing.

“I am thrilled—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We need to see them come back home to their families.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza agreement
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark deal
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate Using Pyrotechnics

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the announcement of his impending returned home.

“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, posted on social media: “My son, you are returning home.”

The joy was palpable throughout the avenues of Tel Aviv after the news.

Freed Hostages Say Prayers and Toasts

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, which means “for life”. She has been campaigning for the freedom of her friends, 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 captured in October 2023, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in pushing for a deal which ensures the return of everyone still detained in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. 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 coming back to their homes yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the families of the captives who are finally returning.

Eitan Horn was seized from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling.

Guarded Hope from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she felt like she was living “in a dream”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and all he has done on our behalf. We feel that this could be the start of the conclusion of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she said.

However, she warned that it remained too early to celebrate.

“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until the end,” she said.

“So many things can happen until the last moment so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to thank everyone who was involved in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is safely home.”

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

Associated Updates

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza conflict | Israel | Hamas