Citizens of Gaza have expressed astonishment after US President Donald Trump expressed approval of Hamas's reaction to his peace proposal for the area.
Hundreds Palestinians flooded social media accounts and communication applications with inquiries such as: "Has the war ended?" and "Is this a dream or reality?"
The fast tempo of changes overnight has left many people finding it difficult to understand what happens next.
The group's carefully crafted statement - believed to have been written with the assistance of mediators - refrained from complete refusal and instead offered a limited "yes".
The organization accepted Trump's terms for the freeing of Israeli prisoners and the idea of passing on the leadership of Gaza to Palestinian specialists - but failed to provide a specific reply to many other components of his 20-point proposal.
It was, numerous residents state, a strategic response that put the ball back in Israel's court.
Shortly after it was published, Trump posted on social media that he thought Hamas was willing to accept peace and requested Israel to cease the airstrikes of Gaza.
Opinions among Palestinians in the territory extended from expectation to deep suspicion.
Certain people concern Hamas has walked into a trap, and that Israel will retrieve its captives only to continue the war. Others believe a historic opportunity has emerged to end two years of hostilities.
"I recommend patience," a Gaza citizen commented.
"Don't become overly enthusiastic by hope. There will be negotiation sessions over the specifics. The devil is always in the specifics," he said. "Consider Lebanon, where even now there are still refugees and airstrikes."
Mahmoud Daher observed on online platforms that Hamas's reply was atypical for its directness.
"This time it was yes without the customary 'however' immediately after," he posted.
"Yes to prisoner release under Trump's formula, affirmative to concluding the war and withdrawal, agreement to passing control to a Palestinian government. The buts came only later. Hamas even appealed to Trump's pride with compliments."
But not everyone is assured.
Resident campaigner and experienced Hamas opponent another commentator said the choice was about the movement's continuation.
"They will describe this prudence - or putting the people first. But the fact is, it's about Hamas staying in power. I even suspect Hamas drafted the declaration - it was overly sophisticated."
For now, Palestinians remain uncertain as they remain to see whether the written statements can actually be sufficient to end the fighting.
