Celebrations rock Hostages Square amid word of ceasefire deal

TEL AVIV—Hundreds packed what’s locally known as Hostages Square Thursday morning as word spread of an agreement between Israel and the terror group Hamas. The deal, announced by President Donald Trump late Wednesday and acknowledged by Israel on Thursday, would result in the release of all of the hostages held by Hamas. The individuals, whether dead or alive, would be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners. Both sides reportedly signed the deal following indirect talks at the Egyptian beach resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. The deal is expected to be ratified by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government after a security cabinet meeting Thursday evening.

About 48 Israeli hostages, living and deceased, are still held by Hamas. The Israeli government has said that it believes more than half of the 48 have died in captivity or were killed as they were kidnapped in the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks.

What are the terms of the deal? Trump called the deal phase one of the peace plan and the first steps to a strong and lasting peace. He promised that all of the hostages would be released very soon and Israel would withdraw its troops to an agreed-upon line. He called it a great day, both for the Arab and Muslim world, as well as Israel and the United States.

“With God’s help we will bring them all home,” Netanyahu said on Thursday.

How did the public react? Hundreds of people flocked to Hostages Square, the name given to a plaza in front of the Tel Aviv Museum of Art that became a meeting and memorial place for families and supporters of the hostages. Several people were singing, dancing, and chanting during the celebration, which participants said was unscheduled and spontaneous. At least one person could be seen handing out free glasses of alcoholic beverages. Many participants expressed thanks and gave credit to Trump for facilitating the deal.

WORLD News Group / Image by Travis K. Kircher