Celebratory gunfire rang into the night sky and people cried tears of joy on Thursday as news of a ceasefire deal reached those in devastated Gaza and in Israel, where relatives have anxiously awaited the release of hostages held since the war began two years ago.
“It’s a huge day, huge joy,” exclaimed Ahmed Sheheiber, a displaced Palestinian, crying over the phone from his shelter in Gaza City. Ayman Saber, a resident of Khan Younis, said, “I can’t believe the news,” while in Al-Mawasi people gathered to chant “Allahu Akbar” and fire rounds into the air.
What had initially appeared an improbable peace plan put forward by US President Donald Trump was agreed to in its “initial phase” by Israel and Hamas after days of indirect talks in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. In Tel Aviv, tearful families hugged and cheered, some popping champagne, as they learned of the news. “Matan is coming home. These are the tears I prayed for,” said one mother of an Israeli hostage, as reported by Haaretz.
Emily Damari, a British-Israeli former hostage, posted a video celebrating with friends, including fellow former hostage Romi Gonen, as they toasted “L’chaim” (to life). Hamas said it would release the 20 hostages still alive as early as this weekend, with an exchange of Palestinian prisoners expected within 72 hours of the deal being signed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the deal as a “great day of Israel”, saying, “With God’s help, we will bring them all home.”
The war, sparked by Hamas’s 7 October 2023 attack that killed about 1,200 people, has been devastating, with Israel’s retaliatory campaign killing more than 67,000 people, many of them children, and causing a major humanitarian crisis. Eyad Amawi, a Palestinian aid coordinator, said, “We have mixed feelings, between happiness and sadness… We need to fix everything here, especially the psychological effects.”
Details of the agreement remained unclear, including progress on Hamas’s demilitarisation and the future governance of Gaza. If the deal holds, it would mark a significant step towards ending the conflict.
