Celebration in Gaza
Celebration in GazaIsrael news photo: Flash 90

Hamas chief Khaled Mashaal announced in a press conference Wednesday evening that Israel "has failed in all its goals" in Operation Defensive Pillar, following the cease fire announcement.

"After eight days, God stayed their hand from the people of Gaza, and they were compelled to submit to the conditions of the resistance," Mashaal said. "Israel has failed in all its goals," he told reporters in a Cairo hotel.

Mashaal also thanked ceasefire mediator Egypt, as well as Iran, which he said "had a role in arming" Hamas during the conflict.

Arabs in Gaza took to the streets to celebrate the start of the truce deal, firing into the air and chanting victory slogans, AFP reported.

The celebrations began shortly after the 9:00 p.m. deadline for the ceasefire to begin, agreed in a deal between Israel and Hamas that was announced in Egypt.

Heavy celebratory gunfire could be heard throughout Gaza, and residents also released fireworks into the night sky, where Israeli drones could still be buzzing heard overhead.

"The resistance has triumphed," some shouted, alongside chants of "God is greatest."