For 24 months, it's been Israel's ground zero of anguish, uncertainty, torment and despair.

But early Thursday, the central Tel Aviv area that's become known as Hostages Square was a burst of unfettered jubilation.

A champagne bottle was popped open to cheers from the crowd. Sweets were doled out.

Tears of joy mixed with laughter and long embraces as the news sunk in: The struggle to free Israeli captives held in Gaza appears to finally be coming to a close.

It comes as US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the “first phase” of his peace plan to pause fighting and release at least some hostages and prisoners, in a major breakthrough in the two-year-old war.

“This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace,” Trump wrote on social media.

Hamas will release all 20 living hostages in the coming days in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, while the Israeli military will begin a withdrawal from the majority of Gaza.

AP Video by Sam Mednick