Palestinians in Gaza erupted in spontaneous celebrations on Thursday after news emerged of a landmark agreement between Israel and Hamas, marking the first phase of a US-brokered peace plan led by President Donald Trump. The deal is intended as a first step toward ending more than two years of intense conflict that has devastated the enclave.
🚨 BREAKING: Central Gaza explodes with joy! Streets alive as civilians celebrate the end of Israel’s genocide war! 🇵🇸🎉 From pain to hope justice rises! Share if you stand with Gaza! #GazaCeasefire #FreePalestine #EndTheGenocide #PalestineLives pic.twitter.com/dwSktQXdcE
— Mohammed Faizan Shaikh (@king7851007) October 9, 2025
In Gaza, where more than two million residents have been displaced and large parts of the city lie in ruins, young men took to the streets to cheer and clap, while families wept in relief.
Hope after a long time
Crowds chanted “Allahu Akbar” (“God is Greatest”) as they expressed hope that the agreement would bring an end to hostilities and allow displaced families to return to their homes. Despite celebrations, sporadic Israeli strikes were still reported in certain parts of the territory, a reminder of the fragile security situation.
Euphoria erupts in Gaza, people pour onto the streets, singing and dancing as the long-awaited ceasefire is announced. pic.twitter.com/uKx3LIA639
— The Kashmiriyat (@TheKashmiriyat) October 9, 2025
According to Trump, the first stage of the agreement includes the release of dozens of Israeli hostages within days. In return, Israel will free nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including hundreds convicted of deadly attacks on Israelis. The plan also envisions a significant surge in humanitarian aid to Gaza, which has suffered widespread destruction since Hamas’ unprecedented October 2023 attack on southern Israel that claimed 1,200 lives and left more than 250 people hostage.
For residents of Gaza, the agreement represents a rare moment of hope after years of war, occupation, and displacement. As the first stage of the deal is implemented, many Palestinians are cautiously optimistic that it could mark the beginning of a lasting peace and a return to stability in the region.
With additional input by GVS US and Intl desk