Holiday Ayo - Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza. This agreement was reached one day after the second anniversary of Hamas's attack on Israeli territory, which was then retaliated by a barrage of Israeli bombardment on October 7, 2023.

As reported by Reuters on Thursday (October 9), agreement on the first phase of US President Donald Trump's plan for Gaza was reached during indirect negotiations in Egypt on Wednesday (October 8) local time.

"I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have signed the first phase of our Peace Plan," Trump said at Truth Social, announcing the results of the indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas in Egypt.

"This means ALL hostages will be released immediately, and Israel will withdraw its forces to the agreed-upon lines as the first step towards a Strong, Durable, and Lasting Peace," Trump added.

Residents in Gaza and Tel Aviv celebrated the ceasefire agreement and hostage release. In a video broadcast by Reuters, Israelis were seen gathering in Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, singing and waving flags.

Meanwhile, in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, residents were seen celebrating the news with joy and applause.

Videos of Palestinians celebrating the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement began circulating on social media.

Nighttime footage posted by Palestinian journalist Saeed Mohamed, reported by the BBC, showed a crowd of men and women outside al-Aqsa Hospital clapping and chanting the Takbir (prayer) "Allahu Akbar" (God is Greatest).

The Takbir echoed among the crowds of Gazans after two years of living in uncertainty due to the constant Israeli bombings, which could take their lives at any moment.

In Islam, the Takbir is a phrase meaning "God is Greatest." This phrase is used to glorify and honor Allah SWT.

Takbir is a series of dhikr (remembrance) taught by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).