Overnight, the streets of Gaza erupted in celebration as Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had “signed off” on the first phase of a peace deal, offering a glimmer of hope in the war-ravaged region.Several people came onto the street celebrating the news with laughter and cheers. Several videos are being circulated on social media showing people dancing and singing songs. Residents of Khan Younis in southern Gaza erupted in cheers following the announcement of a peace deal, Reuters reports.“We are very happy that the war stopped, this is something joyful for us and we thank our brothers and anyone who contributed even if verbally to stop the war and to stop the bloodshed,” Wael Radwan told the news agency. “Thank God, today President Trump announced that the war stopped.”Abdul Majeed Rabbo added, “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 the Arab people, all of the world is happy with the ceasefire and the end of bloodshed. Thank you and all the love to those who stood with us.”Relatives of hostages and former hostages reacted on social media following the announcement of a deal facilitating the return of hostages. Eli Sharabi, whose wife and children were killed and whose brother Yossi’s body is being held by Hamas, posted: “Great joy, can’t wait to see everyone home.” Matan Zangauker’s mother said on X: “Matan returns home to me..to you, to the country. For these tears, I prayed.” Similarly, the mother of hostage Nimrod Cohen posted: “My child, you are coming home,” BBC reported.Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari celebrated with former hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of gratitude before toasting “L’chaim”, meaning “to life”. Damari has been campaigning for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman. Their brother Liran Berman posted: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You’re coming home.”
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