JAKARTA - Israelis and Palestinians rejoiced on Thursday after the ceasefire and a hostage-taking deal was announced as part of the first phase of US President Donald Trump's initiative to end the war in Gaza.
Israel-Hamas is expected to sign the agreement during the day local time at the Sharm el-Sheikh beach resort, Egypt, where they negotiated the biggest step ever taken to end a devastating two-year war.
Sources familiar with details of the agreement said Israeli hostages may be released as early as Saturday and troops will begin withdrawing from Gaza within 24 hours.
The security Cabinet and the Israeli government are scheduled to hold a meeting on the agreement at 17.00 Israel time.
Palestinians and families of Israeli hostages rejoiced after news about the pact emerged.
In Gaza, where most of the more than 2 million people have been displaced by Israeli bombardment, youths applauded on the shattered streets, even as Israeli attacks continued.
"Alhamdulillah, over the ceasefire, the end of bloodshed and murder," said Abdul Majeed Abd Rabbo in Khan Younis in southern Gaza.
"I am not the only one happy, the whole Gaza Strip is happy, all Arab people, the whole world is happy with a ceasefire and the end of bloodshed," he continued.
Einav Zaugauker, whose son, Matan, is one of the last hostages, rejoiced at Tel Aviv Hostagefield, where the hostages' families were scattered in Hamas attacks that sparked a war two years ago gathered to demand their repatriation.
"I can't breathe, I can't breathe, I can't explain how I feel. This is crazy," he said, speaking under the red light of the celebration torch.
"What should I tell him? What should I do? Hug him and kiss him," he said.
"Just tell him that I love him, that's all. And look at him looking at me ... It feels amazing this is the relief I feel," he said.
However, Gazans said Israeli attacks on three outskirts of Gaza City continued overnight and until Thursday morning, residents said.
Smoke billowed over Shejaia, Tuffah, and Zeitoun in the early hours of Thursday, although there have been no reports of casualties.
The Israeli military warned residents of northern Gaza not to return to their regions saying the territory was still a "dangerous combat zone."
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