In Photos: Celebrations in Gaza and Israel after 1st phase success of ceasefire, hostage deal

In Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, families of those captured by Hamas celebrated the news. Einav Zaugauker, mother of a hostage, said, according to Reuters, “I can’t breathe, I can’t explain what I’m feeling… It’s crazy. What do I say to him? What do I do? Hug and kiss him… 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 wears a mask depicting US President Donald Trump as relatives and supporters of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip celebrate, Tel Aviv. (Israel)

Former hostage Omer Shem-tov added, “I have no words to describe it.”

Ceasefire details

The agreement, reached during indirect talks in Egypt, covers the first phase of Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan. It includes a ceasefire and the release of hostages, with all hostages expected to return within 72 hours.

Einav Zangauker, center, mother of Matan Zangauker, who is being held hostage by Hamas, celebrates along with other families and supporters of Israeli hostages, Tel Aviv. (AP Photo)

Trump hailed the breakthrough, calling it “a fantastic day” for the world. “The whole world has come together on this one, Israel, every country has come together,” he said in a telephonic interview with Reuters.

Despite the agreement, bombings continued in Gaza early Thursday. Civil Defense officials said: “Since the announcement of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza last night, Israel has launched a number of attacks, and explosions have been heard, especially in areas north of Gaza.”

Relatives and supporters of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip celebrate after the announcement. (AP Photo)

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Khaled Shaat, a Palestinian in Khan Younis, described the celebrations: “These are moments… long awaited by Palestinian citizens after two years of killing and genocide.”

Despite the agreement, bombings continued in Gaza early Thursday. (AP Photo)

Gaza authorities report that more than 67,000 people have died and much of the enclave has been flattened since Israel’s military response began on October 7, 2023. Israeli officials say around 1,200 people were killed in the initial attacks, and 251 hostages were taken to Gaza, with about 20 of 48 still believed to be alive.

(With inputs from agencies)