‘Mainly excitement and happiness:’ South Floridians react to US-brokered truce between Israel, Hamas

South Florida community reacts as 20 hostages freed from Gaza President Donald Trump was in Israel Monday, speaking to lawmakers, as the 20 remaining surviving hostages were released from Gaza as part of an agreement intended to end the war that began on Oct. 7, 2023.

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — President Donald Trump was in Israel Monday, speaking to lawmakers, as the 20 remaining surviving hostages were released from Gaza as part of an agreement intended to end the war that began on Oct. 7, 2023.

“It’s been two years of, you know, anguish and pain and suffering,” Rabbi Yossi Harlig, of the Chabad of Kendall/Pinecrest, told Local 10 News.

Helicopters arrived to Israeli hospitals Monday morning with hostages who are in need of medical attention.

The ceasefire deal announcement came as welcomed news to both Israelis and Palestinians.

“We just felt that thank God, the 1 and 2-ton missiles will stop dropping on us,” Palestinian Anas Amireh said.

Phase one of the peace plan agreed to by Hamas and Israel allowed for the 20 living hostages to be released and the remains of 28 others to be returned to Israel.

“Mainly excitement and happiness of this special moment,” Harlig said.

In return, Israel agreed on releasing nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees.

“We’re not hopeful of the peace treaty itself, we are hopeful of the ceasefire,” Amireh said.

The deal was met with joyous celebrations. On Monday morning, hundreds held flags in Israel, clapping, crying, and praying for the hostages’ safe return.

Meanwhile, displaced Palestinians are returning to Gaza.

The plan brokered by Trump also carves out aid to Gaza, including medical supplies and food.

Efforts to rebuild will also be in the works.

“We can’t, of course, just ignore the fact that the famine and the destruction occurred because of U.S. military force and U.S. military weaponry,” Amireh said.

But the goal of lasting peace in the Middle East is a 20-step plan that’s met with skepticism.

“These are people -- Hamas, I’m talking about them -- Islamic jihad -- they are looking to maybe regroup and continue their killings,” Harlig said.

“If the Palestinian people do not have peace and freedom and equal rights, just like their neighbors, there will never ever be long, lasting peace,” Amireh said.

Copyright 2025 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.

About The Author
Hannah Yechivi

Hannah Yechivi

Hannah Yechivi joined the Local 10 News team in May of 2024.

Samiar Nefzi

Samiar Nefzi

Samiar Nefzi joined the Local 10 News team in August of 2023.