Palestinians and the families of Israeli hostages erupted in joy on Thursday after news broke of a historic pact between Israel and Hamas to end the two-year-long war in Gaza and secure the return of all Israeli hostages — both living and deceased.
In Gaza, where more than two million people have been displaced by relentless bombardment, residents took to the streets in celebration, even as sporadic airstrikes continued in parts of the enclave.
“Thank God for the ceasefire, for the end of bloodshed and killing,” said Abdul Majeed Abd Rabbo from Khan Younis in southern Gaza. “I am not the only one happy — all of Gaza, all Arabs, and the entire world are happy to see this moment. Thank you to everyone who stood with us.”
In Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square — the symbolic heart of the movement demanding the safe return of captives — emotions overflowed. Families who had waited two years for news of their loved ones celebrated with tears and embraces.
“I can’t breathe… I can’t even explain what I’m feeling,” said Einav Zaugauker, the mother of a freed hostage, speaking under the red glow of celebratory flares. “What do I say to him? I’ll hug him, kiss him, and just tell him I love him. Seeing his eyes again — that’s everything.”
The deal marks the first phase of U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed framework for peace in the Palestinian enclave — a ceasefire and hostage exchange that could pave the way toward ending one of the region’s most devastating conflicts in decades.
Former hostage Omer Shem-Tov said simply, “I have no words to describe it.”
Just a day after the second anniversary of Hamas’s cross-border attack that ignited Israel’s military campaign, indirect negotiations in Egypt produced the first tangible breakthrough — the initial step in a 20-point peace framework.
‘I Couldn’t Stop Laughing and Crying’
In Gaza, young men formed jubilant circles, clapping and chanting “Allahu Akbar” (“God is Greatest”), expressing hope that the agreement would finally allow them to return home.
“I couldn’t stop laughing and crying,” said Tamer Al-Burai, a businessman displaced from Gaza City. “I can’t believe we survived. We just want to go back, even to the ruins, to sleep without fear.”
Others, however, remained cautious. “Our house was one of the first to be destroyed,” said Zakeya Rezik, 58, a mother of six. “Even if the war ends, we’ll live in tents for years until Gaza is rebuilt — if the agreement holds.”
The Hamas-run government’s media office urged residents not to return home until the ceasefire details were finalized, warning that many areas remained under Israeli control. The Israeli military also advised civilians to stay away from northern Gaza, calling it a “dangerous combat zone.”
A Fragile Hope for Peace
If implemented successfully, the accord could bring the region closer to peace than any previous effort — potentially halting a conflict that has drawn in Iran, Lebanon, and Yemen, deepened Israel’s international isolation, and reshaped Middle Eastern geopolitics.
Gaza officials report that more than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed, and much of the enclave reduced to rubble since Israel launched its offensive following Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023, which killed about 1,200 Israelis and resulted in 251 hostages being taken to Gaza.
“These are long-awaited moments for every Palestinian after two years of killing and destruction,” said Khaled Shaat of Khan Younis. “All we want now is peace — and the chance to rebuild our lives.”
