The streets of Gaza witnessed rare scenes of jubilation as Hamas and Israel reached a ceasefire agreement and a deal on hostages. Videos from Deir al-Balah in central Gaza captured the joyous atmosphere, with crowds of people cheering, jumping, clapping, and waving the Palestinian flag. The sound of celebratory gunfire echoed in the background as residents expressed their relief and happiness.
Some of the celebrants gathered at Al Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, a facility that has been treating casualties of Israeli airstrikes for over a year. The news of the agreement came as a significant surprise to many, with Alaa Abu Karsh expressing his disbelief at the turn of events. He described the moment as indescribable and emphasized its importance for the Palestinian people and the global community.
Reuters footage from Khan Younis in southern Gaza depicted an impromptu parade in a marketplace, where a man was lifted above the crowd while playing a tabla, accompanied by others blowing whistles. The crowd chanted, 'By our souls and blood, we will sacrifice for you, O Aqsa!' in reference to the revered Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.
Displaced Palestinian Abdallah Al-Baysouni shared his anticipation of reuniting with his family in the north. He expressed immense happiness that the period of crisis, sorrow, bombings, and loss was finally coming to an end. The prospect of returning to their hometowns and reuniting with loved ones brought immense joy to many residents who had been separated for an extended period.
