Palestinian communities and Israeli hostage families erupted in joy yesterday following reports of an agreement between Israel and Hamas to cease the conflict in Gaza and repatriate all Israeli hostages, both living and deceased.
In Gaza, where the majority of the over 2 million residents have been displaced due to Israeli airstrikes, young men cheered in the devastated streets while Israeli bombings persisted in certain areas of the region.
Abdul Majeed Abd Rabbo in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, expressed gratitude for the ceasefire and the end of violence, stating, “The happiness is shared by all in Gaza, the Arab world, and globally. We appreciate the support we received.”
In Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, where families of those abducted in the Hamas attack had gathered, Einav Zaugauker, a mother of a hostage, was overwhelmed with joy, exclaiming, “I am speechless, it’s unbelievable.”
On Wednesday, Israel and Hamas agreed to the initial phase of US President Donald Trump’s plan for Gaza, including a ceasefire and a hostage agreement, potentially paving the way to end a bloody two-year conflict that has disrupted the region.
In Gaza, groups of young men celebrated the news in the streets, with one lifted onto a friend’s shoulders clapping in jubilation. Residents wept and chanted “Allahu Akbar,” expressing hope that the agreement would bring an end to the war and enable their return home.
Tamer Al-Burai, a displaced businessman from Gaza City, shared his mixed emotions, saying, “I couldn’t stop laughing and crying. It’s surreal that we have survived this ordeal.”
While eager to rebuild their lives and homes, some residents expressed concerns about returning as Israeli forces are still present in the enclave. Zakeya Rezik, a mother of six whose house was destroyed, shared worries about living in tents until Gaza is rebuilt, cautioning against premature return to areas still under Israeli control.
Hamas urged caution, advising against immediate return to home areas until the agreement’s specifics are confirmed, to avoid potential clashes in Israeli-controlled regions. The Israeli military also warned residents of northern Gaza against returning, citing ongoing security risks in the area.
If fully implemented, the agreement would mark a significant step towards ending a regional conflict that involved neighboring countries and led to Israel’s increased international isolation, reshaping the Middle East.
According to Gaza authorities, over 67,000 people have lost their lives, and much of the enclave has been decimated since the onset of Israel’s military response on October 7, 2023. Israeli officials reported around 1,200 fatalities and 251 hostages returned to Gaza, with 20 hostages still believed to be alive.