Celebrations Erupt in Gaza and Tel Aviv as Ceasefire Takes Effect | The Bureau News
By Enemona Samuel Endurance
The Bureau News reports that scenes of jubilation broke out across war-torn Gaza and parts of Israel on Thursday following the announcement of a ceasefire agreement aimed at ending months of devastating conflict and securing the release of captives held on both sides.
In Khan Younis, southern Gaza, Palestinians gathered in front of the Nasser Hospital to celebrate the long-awaited truce. Families waved flags and chanted prayers of gratitude, hoping the peace accord would mark a new beginning after weeks of bombardments and suffering.
Meanwhile, in Tel Aviv, Israelis also took to the streets, expressing cautious optimism as the first phase of the peace deal came into force — a major step toward ending one of the bloodiest chapters in the region’s modern history.
Trump Celebrates “Great Day in the Middle East”
As news of the ceasefire spread across time zones, US President Donald Trump posted a series of celebratory messages on his Truth Social platform, thanking those who played key roles in the negotiations.
“United States Ambassador Mike Huckabee is AMAZING! He worked so hard, and did so much, to bring about Peace in the Middle East. He has very quickly become a Great Man. Thank you Mike!” the president wrote.
Trump also praised Congressman Brian Mast and Eylon Levy, a former Israeli government spokesperson, for their remarks on Fox News. Levy had earlier said that Trump “made the impossible possible” by securing the release of hostages through the peace deal.
“A great day in the Middle East!” Trump added.
UNRWA Hails Ceasefire as “Huge Relief”
Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), described the ceasefire as a “huge relief,” adding that the agency had already prepared essential supplies, including food and medicine, for immediate distribution.
“After their excruciating ordeal, hostages and Palestinian detainees will finally join their families,” Lazzarini wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “We have enough to provide food for the entire population for the coming three months.”
He noted that UNRWA teams in Gaza were crucial for implementing the agreement by delivering basic services such as healthcare and education to millions of displaced people. “Over 660,000 children are eagerly waiting to return to school,” he said, calling on member states to support the agency’s mission during the recovery phase.
Hope Amid Fragile Calm
As calm gradually returns to Gaza and Israel, world leaders have urged all parties to consolidate the gains of the ceasefire and ensure that humanitarian access is fully restored. Diplomats have described the truce as “fragile but historic,” warning that its success will depend on restraint, monitoring, and sustained international cooperation.
Analysts speaking to The Bureau News observed that while the ceasefire offers a moment of relief, rebuilding Gaza’s infrastructure, restoring livelihoods, and addressing the root causes of the conflict remain the long-term challenges ahead.
Economic Realities and Global Ripple Effect
The Gaza ceasefire has also sparked discussions about its potential economic impact on global food and energy supply chains. The Bureau News notes that disruptions in regional trade and shipping have contributed to higher prices for key commodities, reflected in recent updates from foodstuff price list Mile 12 Lagos today and foodstuff price list Wuse Market Abuja today.
Experts warn that even temporary instability in the Middle East can affect global market dynamics, influencing food import costs in developing nations such as Nigeria.
Today’s Top Food Prices in Lagos & Abuja — The Bureau News
| Item | Mile 12 (₦) | Wuse Market (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Rice (50 kg) | 64,800 | 67,900 |
| Beans (50 kg) | 58,000 | 61,000 |
| Garri (50 kg) | 23,900 | 24,500 |
| Palm Oil (25 L) | 35,000 | 37,000 |
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