World leaders have expressed their approval of the ceasefire and hostage-release agreement reached between Israel and Hamas, marking a potential end to the two-year conflict in Gaza.
Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas viewed the deal as a positive step towards achieving a lasting political solution and the creation of an independent Palestinian state.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the importance of releasing all hostages in a dignified manner and securing a permanent ceasefire, stressing the immediate need for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza without hindrance.
The World Health Organization’s Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreysus, hailed the announcement as a significant advancement towards sustainable peace, affirming the WHO’s readiness to expand its efforts to address the critical health needs in Gaza and rebuild the damaged healthcare system.
Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi described the agreement, reached through indirect negotiations in Sharm El-Sheikh, as a historic moment that not only ends the era of war but also instills hope for a future characterized by justice and stability.
Saudi Arabia expressed hope that the agreement would lead to prompt actions to alleviate humanitarian suffering, ensure a complete Israeli withdrawal, restore security, and lay the groundwork for a just and comprehensive peace based on a two-state solution.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan commended US President Donald Trump for displaying the necessary political determination to push for the Israeli government’s compliance with the ceasefire.
European Union leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa, commended the diplomatic endeavors of the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, viewing the agreement as a significant opportunity for enduring peace. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described the deal as a notable breakthrough.
Various European leaders, such as Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and France’s President Emmanuel Macron, expressed optimism that the agreement would pave the way for a political resolution. Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also welcomed the developments, with Sanchez emphasizing the need for support to the civilian population and the prevention of future atrocities.
Ireland and the UK, represented by Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris and Prime Minister Keir Starmer respectively, lauded the diplomatic efforts of mediating countries and stressed the importance of promptly implementing the agreement while ensuring the unrestricted flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov and China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun both welcomed the agreement, expressing hopes for its swift implementation and advocating for a lasting and comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza. China reiterated its support for the principle of Palestinian self-governance in Palestine.