US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff said the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, once considered impossible by some, has been reached, expressing appreciation for the roles played by Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey in achieving it.

Speaking Saturday evening at the “Prisoners’ Square” in central Tel Aviv, celebrating the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas now in its second day, Witkoff said Israeli prisoners held in Gaza will return home.

He addressed the hostages directly: “You are coming home,” which sparked applause and chants from thousands gathered in the square, now known as Prisoners’ Square. He also praised the hostages’ families, saying, “Your courage amazed the world.”

Protesters chanted against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during Witkoff’s speech, who continued, “Tonight we celebrate a moment many thought impossible,” adding, “We celebrate peace born not from politics but from courage,” in his words.

The US envoy expressed gratitude for the roles of Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey in reaching the agreement, saying, “We thank the leaders of Turkey, Qatar, and Egypt for their efforts to reach this moment.”

He added that former US President Donald Trump “proved that peace in the Middle East is not impossible,” referring to the Washington-brokered agreement between Israel and Hamas, mediated jointly by Qatar and Egypt.

The Israeli army announced that US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner visited Gaza on Saturday, accompanied by Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and US Central Command leader Admiral Brad Cooper.

The army said the visit aimed to review the situation in Gaza after the ceasefire took effect and to follow up on security and humanitarian arrangements to ensure the ceasefire continues.

This US field move follows President Trump’s announcement of the success of US mediation in establishing a comprehensive peace agreement in Gaza, paving the way for reconstruction and broader talks including the Palestinian Authority and regional countries.

The agreement came into effect midday Friday with a partial withdrawal of the Israeli occupation army inside Gaza.

Over two years, Israel, with US support, waged a war of extermination on Gaza’s population involving killing, starvation, destruction, and forced displacement, ignoring international calls to stop the war and International Court of Justice orders.

The extermination resulted in over 67,000 martyrs and about 170,000 injured, with 460 Palestinians dying from starvation, including 154 children.