World leaders have welcomed a ceasefire announcement for Gaza following three days of indirect talks between Hamas and the Israeli regime in Egypt on a plan put forth by US President Donald Trump.
Trump said early on Thursday that both Israel and Hamas have signed off on the first phase of his Gaza plan, which includes a prisoner-captive exchange, the entry of humanitarian aid, and a phased Israeli withdrawal from the Palestinian territory.
Within 72 hours of the signing of the agreement, 20 Israeli captives and the bodies of 28 others will be released in exchange for more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, based on a list provided by Hamas.
Here is how world leaders reacted to the announcement:
UN chief
United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres described the deal as a “momentous opportunity”, adding that the UN will support the “full implementation” of the deal, increase its delivery of humanitarian aid, and advance its reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
He called on all parties involved in the war to follow the terms of the deal, insisting, “The suffering must end.”
US
US President Donald Trump claimed on his own social media platform, Truth Social, that it is a “GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America.”
He thanked Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey for their efforts in making the deal. “BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!”
Turkey
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his satisfaction with the deal.
“I extend my sincere gratitude to US President Trump, who demonstrated the necessary political will to encourage the Israeli government to agree to a ceasefire, and to our brotherly countries, Qatar and Egypt, for their significant support in reaching the agreement,” he said.
“We will closely monitor the agreement’s strict implementation and continue to contribute to the process. Similarly, we will continue our struggle until an independent, sovereign, and geographically integrated State of Palestine is established in Palestine, based on the 1967 borders.”
He also extended his greetings to Palestinians and their resistance who, “despite all the tragedies they have endured, have not compromised their dignified stance.”
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia welcomed the agreement reached on Gaza.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s welcome of the agreement that was reached on Gaza and the commencement of implementation of the first phase of President Trump’s proposal to end the war on the Gaza Strip and pave the way for a comprehensive and just peace,” a statement by the foreign ministry said.
United Kingdom
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he welcomed the Gaza ceasefire deal, urging that it must be implemented in full without delay.
“I welcome the news that a deal has been reached on the first stage of President Trump’s peace plan for Gaza,” Starmer said in a statement.
“This agreement must now be implemented in full, without delay, and accompanied by the immediate lifting of all restrictions on life-saving humanitarian aid to Gaza.”
France
French President Emmanuel Macron called on all parties to “strictly respect” the terms of the agreement.
Macron claimed the Gaza ceasefire deal is the door to finding a political solution to the question of Palestine. “This agreement must mark the end of the war and the opening of a political solution based on the two-State solution. France stands ready to contribute to this objective.”
Germany
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he, too, welcomed the Gaza ceasefire deal.
However, he also cautioned that the Palestinian issue is “not yet finalized.”
European Union
The EU said the bloc would continue to deliver aid to Gaza now and help with the reconstruction of the Palestinian territory.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said the EU “will continue to support the swift and safe delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza. And when the time comes, we will be ready to help with recovery and reconstruction.”
Kaja Kallas, the EU’s high representative for foreign affairs and security, hailed the Gaza ceasefire deal as a “breakthrough” and “a real chance” to end the war in Gaza.
The ceasefire deal is “a major diplomatic accomplishment, ” she said, adding, “The EU will do what it can to support its implementation.”
