There have been celebrations in Gaza and Israel following the announcement of a ceasefire agreement, signalling the first step towards ending the war in the Middle East. This comes after U.S President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first phase of a peace plan.

Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, called the agreement a victory for Israel and said he would convene his cabinet to approve it, whereas Hamas has also welcomed the deal, saying that it laid down the grounds to end the war.

“I was just dealing with people from the Middle East, Arab people and other people on the potential peace deal for the Middle East, peace for the Middle East, that’s a beautiful phrase and we hope it’s going to come true,” says Trump.

After intense negotiations in Egypt, Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire agreement on the first phase of a peace plan for Gaza, raising hopes of an end to two years of war. The breakthrough was announced by US President Donald Trump, who called it a great day for the world. World leaders, such as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed the same sentiment

“This is a moment of profound relief that will be felt around the world, but particularly for the hostages, their families and for the civilian population of Gaza, who have all endured unimaginable suffering over the last two years. I’m grateful for the tireless diplomatic efforts of Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, United States and many others in securing this crucial first step,” says Starmer.

Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council, Jan Egeland however, says that the ceasefire plan to increase aid to starving people in Gaza will only succeed if all aid groups can operate, amid ongoing restrictions.

“The desperation is deeper, and the exhaustion is greater than anyone can imagine inside Gaza. There is a famine declared in Northern Gaza among people who have been asked to flee for the 10th time, really. So, this is such a warmly welcomed agreement. And we are happy that they move immediately to those points that can be immediately realised, which is, in addition to the release of the hostages and the detainees, ensuring the free flow of aid to starving children,” adds Egeland.

National Chair of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies, Karen Milner says that the board remained unwavering in its advocacy for a sustainable peace.

“The Jewish Community of South Africa has remained steadfast since the start of the war in calling for a sustainable peace, with the return of the hostages and removal of Hamas. It has appeared that this day has come. We welcome the deal with joyful hearts, tempered by the suffering that has gone before, and a long healing that will be required on both sides of this awful conflict,” says Milner.

Meanwhile, Israelis and Palestinians from around the world have expressed hope following the announcement.

Hamas is to release 20 living hostages together 72 hours after the ceasefire begins, as Israel’s military withdraws from the Gaza Strip.

Video: Gaza ceasefire deal brings about hope in Middle East