Celebratory gunfire echoed into the night sky as people wept with joy and disbelief on Thursday upon hearing news of a peace agreement—both in shattered Gaza and in Israel, where families have anxiously awaited the return of hostages taken when the conflict began two years ago.
"It's an overwhelming day, overwhelming happiness," said Ahmed Sheheiber, a displaced Palestinian, his voice trembling over the phone from a shelter in Gaza City as he learned of the agreement.
"I can’t believe this is happening," remarked Ayman Saber, a resident of Khan Younis, as crowds in the coastal area of Al-Mawasi gathered, shouting in unison, "Allahu Akbar" (God is greatest), while firing rounds into the air.
What had initially seemed an unlikely 21-point plan proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump was agreed to in its "first phase" by Israel and Hamas following days of indirect negotiations in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.
For Israeli families who have spent two years pleading and praying for the release of loved ones taken hostage by Hamas on October 7, 2023, the announcement brought long-awaited relief.
In Tel Aviv, emotional relatives embraced, cheered, and some opened champagne upon hearing the news. "Matan is coming home. These are the tears I prayed for," one mother of a captive held in Gaza told CuriosityNews.
Some in the city’s hostage square credited Trump’s involvement in securing the deal, with chants of "Nobel prize to Trump" erupting among celebrators in the early morning.
Emily Damari, a British-Israeli who was held by Hamas for over a year before her release in January, shared a video on Instagram, celebrating with friends, including fellow former captive Romi Gonen. The group hugged, danced, and raised glasses in a toast to life, shouting, "L’chaim!"
As per the agreement, Hamas confirmed the imminent release of the 20 remaining surviving hostages, possibly as soon as this weekend, with sources indicating an exchange for Palestinian prisoners within 72 hours of the deal’s signing, expected on Thursday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the agreement as a "great day for Israel," declaring, "With God’s help, we will bring them all home."
Of the 251 people taken hostage into Gaza in 2023, 47 remain—25 of whom the Israeli military has declared deceased.
"The whole nation is waiting with excitement," stated Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz in a social media post. "A heartfelt embrace to the families awaiting their loved ones’ return, including soldiers and those we’ve lost."
Netanyahu confirmed a Thursday government meeting to approve the Gaza ceasefire, while Hamas urged Trump and mediator nations to ensure Israel’s full compliance.
The conflict had erupted following the October 7th attack.
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