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In Tel Aviv's Hostages Square, Ofir Braslavski, father of 21-year-old hostage Rom, allowed himself a rare smile as families awaited the first phase of a Hamas-Israel ceasefire that could free 48 captives by Monday noon, 20 believed alive. Amid cookies labeled Taste of Joy, gratitude in the crowd focused on US President Donald Trump, credited with pressing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to accept the deal. The mood swung between relief and grief: bereaved father Michel Illouz prepared for his son's remains, as Netanyahu signaled some bodies may not return; former hostage families offered support.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.