Reports of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas have sparked celebrations in both Gaza and Israel, as people on both sides expressed relief and joy at the possibility of an end to the devastating war.
On Thursday, jubilant youths in Gaza took to the streets—many of which have been reduced to rubble—chanting and dancing despite ongoing Israeli airstrikes in parts of the enclave. Over the past two years of relentless bombardment, nearly all of Gaza’s 2 million residents have been displaced.
In the southern city of Khan Younis, Abdul Majid Abd Rabbo told Reuters, “Thank God for this ceasefire, for ending the bloodshed and killing. Not only I, but all of Gaza is happy. The Arab world and everyone who stood by us—thank you and love to all.”
In Tel Aviv, Israel, families of hostages held by Hamas were also overwhelmed with emotion. Standing under the glow of red flares at the so-called “Hostage Square,” Einav Zangauker, the mother of one Israeli hostage, said tearfully, “I can’t breathe, I can’t describe what I feel—it’s such joy. When I see my son, I’ll hug him, kiss him, and just say I love you.”
According to reports, the ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal marks the first phase of a peace plan mediated by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration. The agreement includes a mutual truce and the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners. If successfully implemented, it could pave the way to ending the deadly two-year conflict in Gaza.
Former hostage Omer Shemtov told Reuters, “There are no words to describe this moment.”
The progress came during indirect talks in Egypt, held just a day after the second anniversary of Israel’s large-scale assault on Gaza, launched in retaliation for Hamas’s cross-border attack.
In Gaza City, groups of young people celebrated the news—chanting “Allahu Akbar” and crying with joy, hoping the truce would finally allow them to return home. “We survived. I can’t stop smiling or crying,” said displaced businessman Tamer al-Burari. Speaking via a messaging app, he added, “I can’t wait to go home—even if it’s destroyed. I want to sleep without the fear of bombs and rebuild our lives.”
Meanwhile, Hamas authorities have urged residents not to return to their areas until official details of the deal are released, warning civilians to avoid Israeli-controlled zones. The Israeli military has also cautioned residents of northern Gaza against returning, saying on social media platform X that those areas remain “dangerous combat zones.”
