UNITED IN HOPE

HOPE has been in short supply in Israel and Gaza over two years and two days of misery.

- BY CHRIS HUGHES

But yesterday, as news broke of phase one of a US-brokered peace plan being agreed, it came back.

Hostages Square in Tel Aviv erupted in cheers and dancing as friends and family of those taken prisoner on October 7, 2023, marked the deal that could seal their loved ones' return.

Amid the rubble of the Strip, Palestinians of all ages celebrated the prospect of the devastating Israeli onslaught coming to an end.

Even during the celebrations, bombs continued to rain on Gaza, adding at least 10 to the toll of 67,000 - with many more believed to be lying undiscovered in the ruins.

And the jubilation in Tel Aviv was flecked with anger, as the son of one dead hostage questioned whether a deal could have been struck sooner.

"No politician should get points for bringing my father back in a bag," said Rotem Cooper, 59.

But as the Israeli government finalised plans for a ceasefire, followed by a hostage and prisoner swap, the communities were united in hope.

In Gaza, Alaa Abd Rabbo, displaced from northern Gaza to Deir al-Balah, said: "We are tired. This is the day we have been waiting for.

"We want to go home, to tend to our affairs, to check on our homes.

"Even though there are no more homes, but we still want to go home."

If a ceasefire time is settled, it will happen in the next 72 hours. The remaining Israeli hostages will begin to be handed over shortly after the guns fall silent, meaning they could be released as soon as Sunday.