Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has expressed profound relief following the announcement of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, which took effect on Thursday. The agreement, brokered by US President Donald Trump, was reached after days of indirect talks in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Starmer welcomed the news, stating that it brings hope for an end to the devastating conflict that has caused immense suffering on both sides.
In Gaza, celebrations erupted as news of the deal spread. Displaced Palestinians cried tears of joy and fired celebratory gunfire into the air. Ayman Saber, a resident of Khan Younis, said he could not believe the news, while in Al-Mawasi, crowds chanted 'Allahu Akbar'. The ceasefire marks a crucial step towards ending a war that has killed over 67,000 people and caused widespread destruction.
In Israel, families of hostages held by Hamas since the 7 October 2023 attack reacted with emotional relief. In Tel Aviv's hostage square, relatives hugged and cheered, with some calling for Trump to receive a Nobel prize. Emily Damari, a British-Israeli former hostage, posted a video celebrating with friends. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the deal as a 'great day for Israel', vowing to bring all hostages home.
Under the initial phase of the agreement, Hamas will release 20 living hostages as early as this weekend, with an exchange of Palestinian prisoners expected within 72 hours. The Israeli government is set to convene on Thursday to approve the deal. However, details remain unclear on key issues such as Hamas's future demilitarisation and governance of Gaza. Aid coordinator Eyad Amawi expressed mixed feelings, hoping the deal holds so that people can return home and rebuild their lives.
