Families of Israeli hostages erupt into joy as freedom nears for captives

People celebrate following the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan to pause the fighting, at a plaza known as Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, Israel. Picture: Emilio Morenatti/AP

For two years, the central Tel Aviv area that has become known as Hostages Square has been a place of anguish and despair, but on Thursday it turned into a scene of celebration.

Families and supporters gathered to rejoice as news spread that a deal had been struck to free Israeli captives held in Gaza.