JERUSALEM/CAIRO, Oct 9 – A wave of relief and celebration swept across both Israel and Gaza on Thursday after the long-awaited ceasefire and hostage release deal was officially confirmed under the first phase of U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace initiative to end the ongoing Gaza war. The landmark agreement, set to be signed at noon in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt (0900 GMT), marks the most significant progress toward ending two years of devastating warfare that has gripped the region.
According to a source familiar with the deal, the release of Israeli hostages could begin as early as Saturday, while Israeli troops are expected to start withdrawing from Gaza within 24 hours of the signing. Israel’s security cabinet and government have scheduled meetings later Thursday at 5 p.m. Israel time (1400 GMT) to finalize their approval.
News of the pact sparked emotional reactions across the region. In Tel Aviv and Gaza, thousands of families, many of whom have endured unimaginable loss, took to the streets in celebration. Fireworks, tears, and chants of gratitude filled the air as people embraced what they hoped would be the first step toward peace after years of bloodshed.
Hope and Emotion Across Divided Lands
In Gaza, where more than two million people have been displaced amid relentless bombings, residents flooded the streets to celebrate the ceasefire announcement despite ongoing airstrikes in some areas. Abdul Majeed Abd Rabbo, a resident of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, expressed his overwhelming relief, saying, “Thank God for the ceasefire, the end of bloodshed and killing. I am not the only one happy, all of the Gaza Strip is happy, all Arab people, and all of the world are happy with this news.”
Meanwhile, in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, Einav Zaugauker, whose son Matan is among those still held captive, could hardly contain her emotions. Standing amid the red glow of celebratory flares, she said, “I can’t breathe, I can’t explain what I’m feeling. What do I say to him when he returns? I just want to hug him, kiss him, and tell him that I love him.”
Even with the joy, the reality of ongoing violence remained visible. Gaza residents reported that Israeli airstrikes continued overnight in the neighborhoods of Shejaia, Tuffah, and Zeitoun. Smoke was seen rising from these areas early Thursday morning, though there were no immediate reports of casualties. The Israeli army cautioned civilians against going back to northern Gaza, stating that the area remains unsafe and continues to pose serious combat risks.
Framework for Peace: A 20-Point Plan
The ceasefire comes just one day after the second anniversary of the Hamas cross-border attack that ignited the current conflict. Negotiators in Egypt reached consensus on the initial stage of Trump’s 20-point peace framework, which aims to end hostilities and set the groundwork for a long-term political resolution.
President Trump announced the agreement late Wednesday, describing it as a “monumental step toward lasting peace.” In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, he stated, “Israel and Hamas have both agreed to the first phase of our peace plan. This means that all hostages will be released very soon, and Israeli forces will withdraw to an agreed line as the first steps toward a strong, durable, and everlasting peace.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the deal as “a diplomatic success and a moral victory for the State of Israel.” However, political divisions within his government remain sharp. Far-right coalition members have voiced strong objections, arguing that Hamas must be completely dismantled before any ceasefire can hold. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich publicly stated that he would not support the agreement, although he stopped short of threatening to collapse the coalition.
Despite the optimism, analysts caution that several critical issues remain unresolved, including the governance of Gaza after the war and the future role of Hamas. Trump’s framework reportedly envisions an international body, led by himself and including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, to oversee Gaza’s post-war administration. Arab states backing the plan insist that it must ultimately pave the way for an independent Palestinian state, a position Netanyahu continues to oppose.
Prisoner-Hostage Exchange at the Core of the Deal
The toll of the war has been staggering. Since October 7, 2023, more than 67,000 Palestinians have lost their lives during Israel’s extensive military campaign, which began in retaliation for Hamas-led attacks that killed 1,200 Israelis and resulted in 251 hostages being taken. Over the past two years, Israel’s military operations have also targeted Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iranian forces, significantly shifting regional power dynamics.
International outrage has grown in recent months over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with many human rights groups and U.N. experts condemning the scale of destruction. Israel maintains that its actions are acts of self-defense following the 2023 Hamas assault.
Following the ceasefire announcement, Netanyahu and Trump spoke by phone, exchanging congratulations on what they called a “historic achievement.” The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office stated that Netanyahu extended an invitation to Trump to address Israel’s parliament in acknowledgment of his role in facilitating the agreement.
Hamas officials have confirmed that the deal includes a prisoner-hostage exchange, a key demand in earlier negotiations. The release of captives is expected to unfold in stages under international supervision.
As celebrations continued through the night in both Tel Aviv and Gaza City, residents expressed cautious hope that this agreement might finally end years of suffering. For many, the ceasefire represents not only a political breakthrough but a chance to reclaim the simple joys of life—peace, family, and the dream of a safer future.