Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel - January 19, 2025 Emotions are running high among the crowd gathered in the Hostages Square in Tel Aviv to welcome the return of Israeli hostages released from the Gaza Strip following a ceasefire agreement reached on January 15. The Hostages Square in Tel Aviv has become a powerful symbol of protest for Israelis. For months, people have gathered here weekly, calling for the release of all hostages held in Gaza and an end to the conflict. Sunday marked a moment of hope as three Israeli women returned home to their families after a three-stage ceasefire agreement took effect. The Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement, brokered by Qatar, Egypt and the United States, is expected to see both sides halt fighting, and much-needed humanitarian aid start flowing into Gaza. "I'm really really excited to see their faces again, I think the entire country, all Israeli people are happy, and we waited for this day for the past year and a half, so I'm really really excited to see their faces again," said Noah Shemla, an Israeli citizen. The goals of the agreement are to end the war in Gaza, facilitate the return of hostages, and allow for the release of Palestinians held in Israeli prisons and detention centers. The deal, painstakingly negotiated over months, will require immense commitment from both Israel and Hamas to uphold. This marks the beginning of a delicate period, with hopes riding high for both Israelis and Palestinians who long for their loved ones' return and peace in the region. "From what we understand, from the mediators, from the Israeli government, there is strong hope and high intentions of getting phase 2 and 3 done, to bring everybody back home. Sadly, it's not only up to us, but it is our responsibility, Israel, the mediator, our allies, our neighbors, in making sure that we do everything in our power to affirm that this goes all the way through," said Udi Goren, a hostage relative. "I think that Israel is strong enough now to stop the fighting and the one thing that is the right thing to do now is to make sure that all the hostages come home," said Shivon Lev, an Israeli citizen. During the initial 42-day phase, Hamas will release 33 hostages, including women, children, the elderly and the sick, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The Israeli military will withdraw from populated areas to the outskirts of Gaza, allowing displaced Palestinians to return to their residence in the Gaza Strip. Humanitarian aid will flow in, with 600 trucks entering Gaza daily, including 50 carrying much-needed fuel to restore electricity in the territory. SHOTLIST: Tel Aviv, Israel - Jan 19, 2025 1. Various of Hostages Square, people gathered in square, decorations, man playing piano, people listening; 2. SOUNDBITE (English) Noah Shemla, Israeli citizen: "I'm really really excited to see their faces again, I think the entire country, all Israeli people are happy, and we waited for this day for the past year and a half, so I'm really really excited to see their faces again."; 3. Various of people walking through gate; 4. SOUNDBITE (English) Udi Goren, hostage relative: "From what we understand, from the mediators, from the Israeli government, there is strong hope and high intentions of getting phase 2 and 3 done, to bring everybody back home. Sadly, it's not only up to us, but it is our responsibility, Israel, the mediator, our allies, our neighbors, in making sure that we do everything in our power to affirm that this goes all the way through."; 5. Various of photos of hostages; 6. SOUNDBITE (English) Shivon Lev, Israeli citizen: "I think that Israel is strong enough now to stop the fighting and the one thing that is the right thing to do now is to make sure that all the hostages come home."; 7. Various of decorations, people. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]