Israelis, Palestinians celebrate after Gaza ceasefire agreement

News of the ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas was met with celebrations and joyous scenes in both Gaza and Israel, though residents on both sides of the devastating war expressed trepidation that a deal may still fall through, CNN reports.

US President Donald Trump announced that negotiators had reached an agreement in the Egyptian city of Sharm El Sheikh late Wednesday, saying Israel and Hamas had signed off on the first phase of a ceasefire framework.

The plan includes the release of all hostages held by Hamas and the withdrawal of Israeli troops to an agreed upon line, according to Trump.

A Qatari official later said the agreement will “lead to ending the war, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and the entry of aid.”

However, there is a still a lack of clarity on key sticking points, including the disarmament of Hamas, the future governance of Gaza as well as what, if any, security guarantees have been made to stop hostilities from erupting once again.

Jubilant crowds gathered in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square to celebrate the agreement, with many people expressing joy that the hostages held captive by Hamas may finally come home.

Former hostages released as part of earlier ceasefire agreements, and families of those still held captive, joined the crowds who were hugging, singing and raising glasses.

Palestinians in Gaza heralded the agreement, cautiously hoping it would bring an end to Israel’s devastating assault on the besieged enclave, which now lies in ruins. Crowds gathered near Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis to celebrate in the predawn darkness, clapping and cheering.

“These are moments that are considered historic moments, long awaited by Palestinian citizens after two years of killing and genocide,” said Khan Younis resident Khaled Shaat, according to Reuters.

But underlining the precarious nature of such agreements, the Israeli military said it had instructed its soldiers to “be ready for any scenario.” And the military’s Arabic spokesperson Avichay Adraee warned Palestinians in Gaza not to return north or approach areas where Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers are stationed.