International News: Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, Israel, was filled with flags, flowers, and families as the nation welcomed home several hostages freed by the Palestinian group Hamas. A giant imprint reading “Thank You” was displayed on the beachfront, marking the first phase of a new armistice try-on without two years of captivity for the hostages in Gaza.
A gesture of gratitude from Israel
The huge “Thank You” sign, meant for President Donald Trump to see from Air Force One, was a symbol of public appreciation linked to his efforts in helping with the Gaza armistice deal. Pictures and videos from Tel Aviv quickly spread on social media, showing large crowds at Hostage Square. Many users shared posts saying it felt like the unshortened nation had gathered to welcome when the hostages released from Gaza.
Ceasefire begins with hostage release
On Monday, Hamas released seven hostages under the first stage of the ceasefire. This marked the whence of a long-awaited pause in the Gaza mismatch that started without Hamas’ wade on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. The condition of the freed hostages has not yet been shared publicly. Hamas moreover stated that 20 living hostages would be exchanged for increasingly than 1,900 Palestinian prisoners currently held by Israel.
Agreement reached without long talks
Donald Trump spoken on October 9 that Israel and Hamas had well-set on the ‘first phase’ of a plan to end fighting in Gaza and self-ruling both hostages and prisoners. The deal came without several days of discussions between Hamas, Israel, and international mediators in Egypt’s resort municipality of Sharm al-Sheikh. The October 7, 2023, wade by Hamas led to the deaths of 1,219 people mostly civilians and 251 people were taken as hostages to Gaza.
