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"Celebration and Sadness": Reaction from Gaza as Israel, Hamas Agree to First Phase of Ceasefire
Celebrations broke out in Gaza and Israel overnight after President Trump announced Israel and Hamas have agreed on the first phase of a hostage-ceasefire deal. Trump said the remaining Israeli hostages held in Gaza would likely be released on Monday. Israel has also agreed to release hundreds of Palestinians held captive in Israeli prisons, but a final list of prisoners has not been released. Eyad Amawi, an aid coordinator who joins us from Deir al-Balah in the Gaza Strip, has "mixed feelings, happiness, worries and hopes" about the deal. He is cautious due to "Israeli habits" during ceasefire agreements to "grant themselves more time to punish our people, to increase the suffering."
During the first phase of the deal, Israel will withdraw forces from parts of Gaza and allow more humanitarian aid into the besieged territory. A ceasefire is expected to begin after the Israeli government formally approves the deal.