Leaders react to the signing of first phase of US-brokered Gaza peace accord, which is expected to end Israel's genocide in Gaza, the release of Israeli captives and Palestinian prisoners.
The announcement by US President Donald Trump of an agreement between Hamas and Israel in Gaza has triggered a wave of international reaction, with world leaders hailing it as a potential breakthrough toward ending the genocide and securing a lasting truce.
Trump said both sides had signed the first phase of his plan to end the war in Gaza — an agreement that includes the release of captives and an Israeli troop withdrawal to an agreed line.
The agreement followed indirect talks between Hamas and Israel mediated by Egypt, Qatar and Türkiye in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.
Here are some of the remarks of world leaders.
United States
President Trump said the deal marked “the beginning of peace after years of war,” calling it “a historic step for the people of the Middle East.”
“We will treat all parties fairly,” he said.
“The world is watching the start of something very special.”
“This is a great day for the world,” Trump added.
Hamas
In a statement, Hamas said it had “reached an agreement providing for an end to the war in Gaza,” adding that the deal included “the withdrawal of the occupation, the entry of humanitarian aid and exchange of prisoners.”
The Palestinian resistance group said it “appreciates the efforts of Qatar, Egypt, Türkiye, and President Trump” in brokering the accord.
“We call on President Trump, the guarantor states of the agreement, and all Arab, Islamic, and international parties to compel the occupation government to fully implement its obligations under the agreement and to prevent it from evading or delaying the implementation of what has been agreed upon,” Hamas said.
“We affirm that the sacrifices of our people will not be in vain, and that we will remain true to our pledge — never abandoning our people’s national rights until freedom, independence, and self-determination are achieved.”
Israel
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked Trump for his “leadership, partnership, and unwavering commitment to the safety of Israel and the freedom of our hostages.”
He hailed the military’s genocidal actions in besieged Gaza to reach this “turning point.”
“Through steadfast resolve, powerful military action, and the great efforts of our friend and ally President Trump, we have reached this critical turning point,” Netanyahu said, calling the deal “a diplomatic success and a national and moral victory for the State of Israel.”
Qatar
Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari confirmed that mediators had agreed on “the terms for implementing the first phase of the ceasefire.”
“The agreement will lead to the end of the war, the release of Israeli captives and Palestinian prisoners, and the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip,” Al Ansari said, adding that more details would be announced soon.
United Nations
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres also welcomed the announcement of a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal.
He praised the “diplomatic efforts of the United States, Qatar, Egypt and Türkiye” and urged all sides to “abide fully by the agreement.”
“All hostages must be released in a dignified manner, and a permanent ceasefire must be secured,” Guterres said, calling for the “immediate entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.”
He said the UN would support implementation of the deal and work towards “a credible political path” leading to a two-state solution.
Palestinians erupt in joy
Footage circulating on social media showed Palestinians celebrating in the streets of Gaza City, Khan Younis, and other areas, waving flags and chanting slogans after the announcement.
Residents described the agreement as “a long-awaited moment” that raised hopes for relief after nearly two years of war.
As night fell in the coastal area of Al-Mawasi in southern Gaza, an AFP contributor described an atmosphere of anticipation before the announcement, with joyful chants of “Allahu akbar”, meaning God is the greatest, and some celebratory gunfire into the air.
European Union
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called the agreement between Israel and Hamas a “significant breakthrough.”
“This is a major diplomatic accomplishment and a real chance to end a devastating war and release all the hostages,” she said on X.
She added that the EU “will do what it can to support its implementation.”
Turkey
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed satisfaction that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first phase of a ceasefire in Gaza and thanked Donald Trump’s efforts to end the war.
“I am greatly pleased that the Hamas-Israel talks… have resulted in a ceasefire in Gaza, I especially thank US President, Mr. Trump, who demonstrated the necessary political will to encourage the Israeli government toward the ceasefire,” Erdogan said on X.
Türkiye, which has been closely involved in the negotiations and sent a team to the talks in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm El-Sheikh, would “closely monitor the strict implementation of the agreement”, he added.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry hoped that this ceasefire “will bring an end to the genocide that has continued for the past two years.”
Expecting the ceasefire agreement to be implemented in full, the statement by the ministry said that “with the ceasefire in place, it is imperative that humanitarian aid be delivered to Gaza—where a humanitarian catastrophe has been unfolding—and that efforts for the reconstruction of Gaza be launched without delay. Türkiye will continue to provide substantial humanitarian aid to Gaza in the period ahead.”
Indicating that lasting peace in the Middle East can only be achieved through a just resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian question, the statement expressed the ministry’s hope “that the momentum achieved in the ceasefire negotiations will also contribute to the realization of a two-state solution in the coming period.”
“We commend the efforts of Qatar, Egypt, and the US in mediating the ceasefire negotiations. Türkiye reaffirms its commitment to actively contribute and extend its support throughout the implementation phases of the ceasefire agreement,” the statement said.
Australia
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Canberra welcomes the announcement and urges “all parties to respect the terms of the plan,” the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported.
“After more than two years of conflict, hostages held and a devastating loss of civilian life, this is a much-needed step towards peace,” Albanese said.
“Australia has consistently been part of international calls for a ceasefire, the return of the hostages and the unimpeded flow of aid to Gaza,” he added.
Albanese also thanked Trump for his diplomatic efforts and acknowledged the important role of Egypt, Qatar and Türkiye in delivering the agreement.
“There is a very long road to recovery in Gaza, securing long-term peace and building the Palestinian state,” he added “Together with our partners, Australia will continue to do what we can to contribute to a just and enduring two-state solution,” he added.
India
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a statement that New Delhi welcomes the agreement, hoping that the release of hostages and enhanced humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza will bring respite to them and pave the way for lasting peace.
Pakistan
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the agreement will bring an end to the genocide in Gaza and is a ”historic opportunity” to secure lasting peace in the Middle East.
In a post on X, Sharif said that along with Trump, the ”resolute and wise” leaders of Qatar, Egypt and Türkiye are also to be applauded for their untiring efforts to negotiate a deal.
”Most of all, we must all pay tribute to the Palestinian people – who have suffered in an unprecedented manner, one that should never, ever be repeated,” he added.
”I also note with grave concern, and strongly condemn, the recent provocations at Masjid Al Aqsa. The world must hold the occupiers and illegal settlers to account and prevent any further actions that undermine the enormous efforts made by President Trump to reduce tensions and pave the way for lasting peace,” he said.
”We will continue to work with partners, friends and the leaders of brotherly nations to ensure that peace, security and dignity for the Palestinian people are established in accordance with their wishes and UN resolutions,” he added.
New Zealand
New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters said the deal is an “essential first step towards achieving lasting peace.”
“Over the past two years, both Israelis and Palestinians have suffered immensely,” he said in a statement.
“Today is a positive first step in bringing that suffering to an end.”
Peters urged Israel and Hamas to continue working towards a “complete resolution.”
“Hamas needs to release all of the hostages and Israel must withdraw their troops to the agreed-upon line,” he added.
He also commended the efforts of the parties involved in the negotiations, including the US, Egypt, Qatar and Türkiye.
United Kingdom
This is a moment of profound relief that will be felt all around the world, but particularly for the hostages, their families, and for the civilian population of Gaza, who have all endured unimaginable suffering over the last two years, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement, according to the BBC.
The prime minister expressed his gratitude “for the tireless diplomatic efforts” of Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye and the US, adding that 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.”
“We call on all parties to meet the commitments they have made, to end the war, and to build the foundations for a just and lasting end to the conflict and a sustainable path to a long-term peace.”
Canada
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney posted on social media that he is relieved that the hostages will soon be reunited with their families.
“After years of intense suffering, peace finally feels attainable,” he said.
“Canada calls on all parties to swiftly implement all agreed terms and to work towards a just and lasting peace.”
Carney, like several other leaders, praised Qatar, Egypt and Turkey for their role in the negotiations.
Argentina
I want to take the opportunity to say that I will sign the candidacy of Donald J Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to international peace, Argentine President Javier Milei posted on X.
“Any other leader with similar achievements would have received it a long time ago,” the libertarian leader and Trump ally wrote.
Malaysia
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said in a statement that this development offers a semblance of hope after months of unbearable suffering and devastation.
He urged all parties to seize the opportunity to move toward a comprehensive and enduring peace.
Japan
Japan welcomes that the agreement on the ‘first phase’ has been reached among the involved parties, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters.
“This agreement is an important step toward de-escalating the situation and achieving the two-state solution,” he said.
He also praised the US, Qatar, Egypt, Türkiye and other mediating countries for their “relentless effort” and sought “sincere and steady implementation” by all involved parties.
Hayashi promised Tokyo’s support and contribution to improving Gaza’s humanitarian conditions and reconstruction.
Italy
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hailed the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and said Italy was ready to help rebuild the devastated Palestinian territory.
“The agreement reached in Egypt for the implementation of the first phase of President Trump’s peace plan is extraordinary news,” Meloni said in a statement.
“I urge all parties to fully respect the measures already agreed upon… Italy will continue to support the efforts of the mediators and is ready to contribute to the stabilisation, reconstruction, and development of Gaza,” Meloni said.
SOURCE:TRT World & Agencies
