KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza/TEL AVIV - Palestinians and the families of Israeli hostages broke into wild celebrations on Oct 9 after news of

a pact between Israel and Hamas

In Gaza, where most of the more than two million people have been displaced by Israeli bombing, young men applauded in the devastated streets, even as Israeli strikes continued in some parts of the enclave.

“Thank God for the ceasefire, the end of bloodshed and killing,” said Mr Abdul Majeed Abd Rabbo in Khan Younis in southern Gaza.

“I am not the only one happy, all of the Gaza Strip is happy, all the Arab people, all of the world is happy with the ceasefire and the end of bloodshed. Thank you and all the love to those who stood with us.”

In Tel Aviv’s so-called Hostages Square, where families of those seized in the Hamas attack that sparked the war two years ago have gathered to demand the return of loved ones, Ms Einav Zaugauker, the mother of a hostage, was ecstatic.

“I can’t breathe, I can’t breathe, I can’t explain what I’m feeling… it’s crazy,” she said, speaking in the red glow of a celebratory flare.

“What do I say to him? What do I do? Hug and kiss him,” she added, referring to her son Matan. “Just tell him that I love him, that’s it. And to see his eyes sink into mine… It’s overwhelming – this is the relief.”