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In Gaza, where most of the more than 2 million people have been displaced by Israeli bombing, young men applauded in the devastated streets, even as Israeli strikes continued.
‘All of the Gaza strip is happy’
Palestinians follow the news about the ceasefire agreement in Khan Yunis on Thursday. Source: Anadolu, Getty / Abdallah F.S. Alattar
“I am not the only one happy, all of the Gaza Strip is happy, all the Arab people, all of the world is happy with the ceasefire and the end of bloodshed.”
Young Palestinian men celebrated in the street in Gaza after news of the peace deal. Source: Reuters
Einav Zaugauker, whose son Matan is one of the last hostages, rejoiced in Tel Aviv’s so-called Hostages Square, where families of those seized in the Hamas attack that sparked the war two years ago have gathered to demand their return.
People gather at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv to celebrate the deal. Source: Getty, DPA / Ilia Yefimovich
“I can’t breathe, I can’t breathe, I can’t explain what I’m feeling … it’s crazy,” she said, speaking in the red glow of a celebratory flare.
As part of the deal, all hostages held by Hamas are to be released. Source: Getty, DPA / Ilia Yefimovich
“What do I say to him? What do I do? Hug and kiss him,” she said.
“Just tell him that I love him, that’s it. And to see his eyes sink into mine … It’s overwhelming — this is the relief.”
A person wearing a mask resembling Donald Trump, who proposed the peace plan. Source: DPA, Getty / Ilia Yefimovich
Still, Gaza residents said Israeli strikes on three Gaza City suburbs continued overnight and in the morning hours of Thursday.
Just a day after the second anniversary of Hamas militants’ cross-border attack that triggered Israel’s devastating assault on Gaza, indirect talks in Egypt yielded an agreement on the initial stage of Trump’s 20-point framework.
Despite the agreement, Israeli airstrikes continued in Gaza. Source: Anadolu, Getty / Ali Jadallah
But the agreement announced by Trump late on Wednesday was short on detail and left many unresolved questions that could yet lead to its collapse.
