Gaza Celebrations Mixed with Controversy as Ceasefire Takes Hold

Gazans Sing About Murdering Jews After Ceasefire Announcement | WATCH

Celebrations erupted across Gaza after President Trump brokered a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, ending years of brutal war and paving the way for hostage releases and aid deliveries. Yet amid the jubilation, videos showing anti-Jewish chants have sparked outrage and concern over deep-rooted hatred resurfacing even as peace takes hold.

Jubilant crowds filled the streets of Gaza on Thursday night following the announcement of a phased ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump.

The agreement, which includes the release of all remaining hostages, an exchange of Palestinian prisoners, a pause in fighting, and a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, was hailed as a potential end to two years of devastating war.

However, amid the widespread relief and festivities, social media videos captured some participants chanting slogans that invoke historical violence against Jews, raising concerns about underlying tensions even as peace efforts advance.

The ceasefire's first phase was signed off earlier in the day, with Trump confirming that hostages could begin returning as early as Saturday. In Gaza, particularly in areas like Khan Younis, residents expressed overwhelming joy.

Videos from the scene showed people embracing, firing celebratory gunfire into the air, and chanting in the streets under the glow of phone flashlights. "No more, no more!" echoed through some gatherings, symbolizing hopes for an end.

Relative calm returned to the Strip for the first time in months, with aid trucks, set to increase to at least 400 per day, poised to enter in the coming days.

Yet, not all aspects of the celebrations were purely jubilant. Circulating videos on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram depicted crowds chanting "Khaybar, Khaybar ya Yahud, Jaish Muhammad sa ya'ud" ("Khaybar, Khaybar oh Jews, the army of Muhammad will return"). This slogan references the 7th-century Battle of Khaybar, where Muslim forces conquered a Jewish oasis, and is often interpreted as a call for the subjugation or destruction of Jews.

One widely shared clip, posted by open-source intelligence accounts, showed a nighttime crowd in Gaza repeating the chant in response to the ceasefire news, with participants including men, women, and children raising their hands in unison. Arabic-language media outlets have amplified similar footage, describing the chant as a "direct threat" to repeat historical massacres.

These elements have drawn criticism from observers who argue they undermine the spirit of the peace deal. "The chant is far from peaceful," noted one social media post, highlighting its use in "terror-affiliated media" as a symbol of "eternal battle and endless death of Jews."

No immediate response from Hamas leadership on the chants was reported, though the group has previously framed such expressions as part of resistance narratives.World leaders welcomed the ceasefire, with reactions focusing on hope for lasting peace.

As implementation begins, including the release of hostages and increased aid flows, the mixed nature of Gaza's celebrations points to the fragile path ahead for reconciliation in the region.