Rev. Shaji Karackal
New York: Gazans and Israeli’s Chanting “Nobel Prize to Trump!” Amid Ceasefire CelebrationsOn October 9, 2025—the day after the announcement of the first phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal—videos and reports emerged showing spontaneous celebrations in both Gaza and Israel, with crowds chanting President Donald Trump’s name. In Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square, Israelis waved American flags and explicitly called out “Nobel Prize to Trump!” while dancing and hugging in relief over the impending hostage releases. In Gaza, residents took to the streets amid the rubble of the two-year conflict, shouting “Donald Trump! Donald Trump!” in a mix of hope and exhaustion, though some footage captured echoes of the Nobel reference spreading via social media and word-of-mouth. This outpouring reflects the deal’s immediate humanitarian impact: Hamas’s agreement to release up to 48 hostages (including about 20 believed alive) in exchange for 1,700–2,000 Palestinian prisoners, alongside a partial Israeli troop withdrawal and unrestricted aid flows. The chants underscore a rare moment of cross-border unity, with Gazans voicing gratitude for the truce that could allow families to reunite and northern Gaza residents to return home.
In Gaza Streets “Donald Trump! Donald Trump!” (repeated by groups of men and families emerging from shelters) Celebrations erupted late on October 8 after Trump’s Truth Social post. Videos show people embracing and firing celebratory gunfire, with some referencing Trump’s “20-point peace plan” as a “miracle.” A Gazan resident told Al Jazeera: “Trump brought us hope when no one else could.”
Also in Tel Aviv’s Hostage square, Over 1,000 gathered including the hostage families, waving U.S. flags and singing. Israeli Opposition Leader Yair Lapid amplified the calls, tweeting: “Trump deserves the Nobel for bringing peace and our loved ones home.” Families of the 48 hostages held signs reading “Thank You, Trump – Nobel Now!”
