Israel and the Palestinian terrorist organization Hamas reached a ceasefire agreement in Qatar. After the ceasefire announcement, Palestinians and families of Israeli hostages celebrated in the streets.
The Prime Minister of Qatar announced on Wednesday that a ceasefire agreement has been reached in the Gaza Strip. This country was the main negotiator of the agreement. Compliance with this agreement will be monitored by Qatar, Egypt and the United States – the three countries that are mediators in the negotiations. He added that it will come into effect on January 19.
SEE MORE: Agreement between Israel and Hamas. The chief negotiator confirms
“Today we can breathe a little”
As news of the deal spread, crowds poured into the streets of Khan Yunus in southern Gaza. People cheered and danced before the Qatari Prime Minister made the official announcement.
This celebration was also held in the city of Arish, Egypt, where the Palestinians who were displaced from Gaza. While the congregants waited for the official announcement, they helped themselves to the desserts.
Palestinians are happy with the Mohamed Sabir/EPA/PAP ceasefire agreement
Palestinians also celebrated the announcement of the agreement in the capital of Egypt. Muhammad Al-Jabali, displaced from Gaza, said: – Today we can breathe a little. Although we will not return to our houses, because there are no houses left, we will rebuild them, he said.
Palestinians celebrate in Khan Younis after the news of the ceasefire agreement
“We want everyone to be here.”
Families of Israeli hostages celebrated in Tel Aviv. During the performance, they embraced the torches. “We’re really happy about it,” said Arnon Cohen, a friend of the two hostages. But he expressed concern about a “phased” deal, saying: “We want everyone to be here.”
READ ALSO: “The progress that many needed.” Voices from around the world
The families of the hostages have been gathering for more than a year. On Wednesday, they raised the names of the hostages and demanded the release of all 98 people.
Family members of Hamas hostages, Tel AvivEPA/ABIR SULTON
However, a protest against the ceasefire agreement was held in Jerusalem. About 300 Israelis, mostly young people, took part in the demonstration. The police must intervene.
The war in the Gaza strip
The war in the Gaza Strip began in October 2023 when Hamas attacked Israel. As a result, 1200 people were killed and more than 250 people were captured. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, more than 45,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since the beginning of the conflict.
The Gaza Strip has been destroyed, there is a humanitarian crisis and most of the residents have been forced to leave their homes.
Main photo credit: Mohammad Saber/EPA/PAP
