Celebrations erupt in Gaza and Israel after ceasefire announced
- Last updated: October 9, 2025 | 16:30
Israelis and Palestinians rejoiced on Thursday after a ceasefire and hostage deal was announced under the first phase of US President Donald Trump's initiative to end the war in Gaza.
Egypt's state-affiliated Qahera TV reported the ceasefire had officially come into effect after noon in the region (0900 GMT), when the enemies signed it in the Egyptian beach resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said it would take effect only once ratified by the Israeli cabinet, which was scheduled to meet at 5:00pm. Residents in Gaza reported a series of air strikes on Gaza City around the time it was due to be signed.
Under the deal, fighting will cease, Israel will partially withdraw from Gaza and Hamas will free hostages it captured in the attack that precipitated the war, in exchange for prisoners held by Israel.
A source briefed on details of the agreement said Israeli troops would begin pulling back within 24 hours of the deal being signed.
The release of all 20 Israeli hostages still believed to be alive in Gaza is expected on Sunday or Monday, an Israeli official said. Another 26 hostages have been declared dead in absentia and the fate of two is unknown. Hamas has indicated it may take time to recover bodies scattered across Gaza.
Palestinians and the families of Israeli hostages broke into wild celebrations after news emerged of the pact.
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'
"Thank God for the ceasefire, the end of bloodshed and killing," said Abdul Majeed Abd Rabbo in Khan Younis in southern Gaza. "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."
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.
"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.
"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."
Still, Gaza residents said Israeli strikes on three Gaza City suburbs continued overnight and in the morning hours of Thursday, residents said. Lines of smoke rose over Shejaia, Tuffah and Zeitoun in the early hours of Thursday, though there were no immediate reports of casualties.
The Gaza health ministry said at least nine Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire in the past 24 hours.
20-POINT FRAMEWORK
Just a day after the second anniversary of Hamas' 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.
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.
Still yet to be hammered out are plans to govern Gaza after the war, and the ultimate fate of Hamas, which has rejected Israel's demands that it give up its weapons.
"I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan," Trump said on Truth Social.
"This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace," Trump added.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the deal "a diplomatic success and a national and moral victory for the State of Israel."
But far-right members of his coalition have long opposed any deal with Hamas. One, of them, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, said that Hamas must be destroyed once the hostages are returned. He said he would not vote in favour of a ceasefire deal, although he stopped short of threatening to bring down Netanyahu's coalition government.
The next phase of Trump's plan calls for an international body led by Trump and including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair to play a role in Gaza's post-war administration.
Arab countries which back the plan say it must lead to eventual independence for a Palestinian state, which Netanyahu says will never happen.
Egypt's President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi called the agreement an historic moment. Regional power Saudi Arabia said the Gaza agreement marks an important step towards achieving a comprehensive and just peace in the region.
Reuters