-
17:20
-
16:50
-
16:20
-
15:50
-
15:20
-
14:50
-
14:20
-
13:20
-
12:50
-
12:20
-
11:50
-
11:20
-
10:50
-
10:40
-
10:20
-
09:50
-
09:09
-
08:50
-
08:20
-
07:50
Follow us on Facebook
Cautious hope as Israel and Hamas agree on first phase of ceasefire plan
Celebrations erupted across Israel and Gaza following news of a preliminary ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, marking a rare moment of relief after two years of devastating conflict. Yet, beneath the joy, unease persists over whether the fragile truce will hold.
Agreement reached in Egypt
US President Donald Trump announced that negotiators had finalized the first phase of a ceasefire framework in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm El Sheikh. The plan includes the release of all hostages held by Hamas and the withdrawal of Israeli forces to a mutually agreed line.
A Qatari official later confirmed that the deal would pave the way for an end to the war, enable the release of both Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. However, major uncertainties remain over issues such as Hamas’s disarmament, Gaza’s future governance, and security assurances to prevent renewed violence.
Scenes of relief and emotion
In Tel Aviv, hundreds gathered at Hostages Square to celebrate what they called a “moment of light.” Families of those still held in Gaza, along with survivors of previous hostage releases, hugged and sang, many expressing cautious optimism.
“Our hearts are filled with joy,” said resident Hillel Mayer. “We can finally hope they’re coming home.”
In Gaza’s southern city of Khan Younis, residents also celebrated in the streets near Nasser Hospital, cheering the announcement that could signal an end to relentless airstrikes. “These are historic moments after two years of killing and destruction,” said local resident Khaled Shaat, according to Reuters.
Hope tempered by uncertainty
Despite the jubilant mood, both sides remain wary. The Israeli military ordered troops to remain on high alert, warning that operations could resume if violations occur. In Gaza, sporadic bombardments continued even after the ceasefire announcement.
At the same time, Palestinian authorities urged citizens to stay cautious until official confirmation of the truce was issued. The Hamas-run Government Media Office warned people to “exercise the utmost caution” and not assume that peace was guaranteed.
Families of hostages express gratitude and fear
In Israel, relatives of those kidnapped during the October 2023 attacks thanked Trump for brokering the deal. “You’re coming back home,” said Liran Berman, whose twin brothers Gali and Ziv remain in Hamas custody.
Video footage released by the Hostages Families Forum showed emotional scenes of relatives thanking Trump during phone calls. Still, some families voiced lingering anxiety. “We are happy inside, but we must be realistic,” said former hostage Eliya Cohen. “Until they step off the Red Cross vehicles and meet our soldiers, we will not stop praying.”
Gaza’s devastation endures
The announcement comes amid staggering destruction in Gaza. More than 67,000 people, mostly women and children, have been killed, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Entire neighborhoods lie in ruins, and shortages of food, medicine, and clean water persist.
A recent UN inquiry concluded that Israel’s actions in Gaza amounted to genocide, a charge the Israeli government has strongly denied.
Fragile truce, uncertain future
While Trump’s announcement offers a brief glimmer of hope, questions about long-term peace remain unanswered. The ceasefire’s success will depend on whether both sides honor their commitments and whether international mediators can secure a durable framework for Gaza’s recovery and governance.
For now, the people of Gaza and Israel share a rare moment of relief, one overshadowed by the haunting fear that it might not last.
