Thousands of jubilant Israelis gathered in a Tel Aviv square on October 9, hopeful for the return of hostages held in Gaza since two years of fear and worry, after Israel and Palestinian factions reached a hostage release and truce deal in a major step towards ending the war. Taliban security personnel gesture as they stand guard during a rally celebrating the Israel-Hamas ceasefire in Herat on October 9, 2025, following the announcement of the new Gaza ceasefire deal.