Tehran, Iran - January 17, 2025 Storyline: Pro-Palestinian demonstrators took to the streets on Friday in Tehran and several cities in Iran to celebrate the announcement of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Thousands gathered at the rally site in Tehran on Friday morning, waving Palestinian and Iranian flags, with some holding anti-U.S. and anti-Israel placards. They said that the ceasefire agreement came as a result of the resistance efforts from the Palestinian people, as well as the armed forces of Hamas and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Many voiced hope that the deal would bring stability and security to the people of Gaza. Some also emphasized the need to ensure that the agreement would be effectively implemented and that Israel would adhere to the terms. Some Iranians viewed the Gaza ceasefire as a victory for the resistance front, claiming Israel failed to achieve its strategic goals in the latest round of conflict. They condemned the U.S. and certain Western countries for their strong support of Israel, which enabled Israel to commit serious crimes in the Gaza Strip and became the primary driver of regional instability. Bu Ali, another Tehran resident, also criticized U.S. involvement: "Wherever the U.S. goes, it brings nothing but harm to local communities. Whether in Iraq, Afghanistan, or Libya, it has plunged those countries into corruption, with their people suffering." The demonstrators told CCTV that Iran would continue supporting the Palestinians in pursuing national liberation. Regarding the Gaza ceasefire, they called on the international community to ensure its effective implementation. At the same time, they said the region's resistance forces must stay alert to prevent any further Israeli aggression. Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, which have been mediating between Israel and Hamas to bring an end to the conflict in Gaza, announced in a joint statement that the two parties had reached an agreement for a prisoner and hostage exchange, along with a return to sustainable calm, aiming for a permanent ceasefire between them. The agreement is expected to take effect on Sunday. Since Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas and Israel have been engaged in a fierce conflict that has killed over 46,000 Palestinians in Gaza and caused unprecedented destruction. The conflict began after Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing Israelis and taking hostages. Shotlist: Tehran, Iran - Jan 17, 2025: 1. Various of Iranians rallying to celebrate Gaza ceasefire deal, waving Palestinian, Iranian flags, holding anti-Israel placards; 2. SOUNDBITE (Farsi) Mohammad, Iranian resident (full name not given): "It would be great if Israel adheres to the ceasefire terms and conditions agreed with Hamas. But the ceasefire should not lead to Israel redeploying troops for harsher attacks against Hamas. All parties must abide by the agreement so that we can once again help the resistance forces in Gaza and Lebanon." 3. Various of demonstrators marching, waving flags, holding anti-Israel, anti-U.S. placards; 4. SOUNDBITE (Farsi) Rahman, Iranian resident (full name not given): "The U.S. is the dominant player in this conflict, and as the Iranian leaders have said, Israel is a [proxy] and puppet of the U.S. Without support from countries like the U.S., Israel wouldn't have lasted even a single day in this conflict." 5. SOUNDBITE (Farsi) Bu Ali, Iranian resident (full name not given): "Wherever the U.S. goes, it brings nothing but harm to local communities. Whether in Iraq, Afghanistan, or Libya, it has plunged those countries into corruption, with their people suffering." 6. Various of pro-Palestinian demonstrators. [Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland/Al-Arabiya/Persian language TV Stations outside Iran. Strictly No Access BBC Persian/VOA Persian/Manoto TV/Iran International TV]