Thousands of Gazans celebrated Wednesday as news spread that a ceasefire and hostage release deal had been reached between Israel and Hamas, aimed at ending more than 15 months of war in the Palestinian territory.
AFP journalists in central Gaza's Deir el-Balah and other areas witnessed people gathering in groups, hugging and taking photos with their mobile phones to mark the announcement.

A boy celebrates along a street in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip. AFP

People watch a television along a street in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on January 15, 2025, amid the ongoing war in the Palestinian territory between Israel and Hamas. Thousands of Gazans celebrated on January 15 as news spread that a ceasefire and hostage release deal had been reached between Israel and Hamas, aimed at ending more than 15 months of war in the Palestinian territory. (Photo by BASHAR TALEB / AFP)

Palestinians react as they wait for news of a ceasefire deal with Israel, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, Wednesday. REUTERS

People celebrate along a street in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on Wednesday. AFP

People celebrate while watching a television along a street in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip. AFP

Palestinians react as they wait for news of a ceasefire deal with Israel, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, Wednesday. REUTERS

Palestinians react to news on a ceasefire deal with Israel, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, Wednesday. REUTERS

Palestinians react to news on a ceasefire deal with Israel, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, Wednesday. REUTERS

A boy celebrates along a street in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip. AFP

People watch a television along a street in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on January 15, 2025, amid the ongoing war in the Palestinian territory between Israel and Hamas. Thousands of Gazans celebrated on January 15 as news spread that a ceasefire and hostage release deal had been reached between Israel and Hamas, aimed at ending more than 15 months of war in the Palestinian territory. (Photo by BASHAR TALEB / AFP)

Palestinians react as they wait for news of a ceasefire deal with Israel, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, Wednesday. REUTERS

People celebrate along a street in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on Wednesday. AFP