World leaders across the globe have welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire and hostage-release deal between Israel and Hamas, describing it as a critical step toward ending the two-year-long conflict in Gaza.
The agreement, brokered after extensive mediation efforts led by the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, aims to halt hostilities and pave the way for sustained peace in the region.
Palestinian Territories
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed optimism that the deal “would be a prelude to reaching a permanent political solution,” leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
United Nations
UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged the full release of hostages “in a dignified manner” and called for a lasting end to the fighting. “The fighting must stop once and for all,” he said, emphasizing the urgent need for unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza.
World Health Organisation
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the development as “a big step towards lasting peace,” pledging to expand the organisation’s efforts to address Gaza’s severe health crisis. “The best medicine is peace,” he remarked.
Egypt
Egypt’s foreign ministry, which hosted the indirect negotiations in Sharm El-Sheikh, hailed the truce as “a pivotal moment in the war in Gaza.”
Saudi Arabia
Riyadh expressed hope that the deal would “lead to urgent action to alleviate humanitarian suffering… achieve a full Israeli withdrawal, restore security and stability, and initiate practical steps toward a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution.”
Turkey
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğa commended U.S. President Donald Trump for showing “the necessary political will to encourage the Israeli government toward the ceasefire.”
European Union
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council head Antonio Costa praised the diplomatic efforts behind the deal, calling it a rare opportunity for lasting peace. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described the truce as “a significant breakthrough.”
Among European leaders, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a close ally of Trump, called the development “extraordinary news.” French President Emmanuel Macron said he hoped it would lead to a “political solution,” while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described it as “encouraging” and expressed confidence in a resolution within days.
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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Irish Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris—both vocal critics of Israel’s offensive—welcomed the truce as a chance to end “unconscionable human suffering.” Harris added, “It can stop the dreadful bombing, silence the guns, end the famine and genocide, and allow a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza.”
United Kingdom
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised the “tireless” diplomatic efforts that led to the deal, calling it “a crucial first step.” He urged the immediate lifting of restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza.
China
China’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, expressed hope for a “permanent and comprehensive” ceasefire, reiterating Beijing’s position that “Palestinians should govern Palestine.”
As the world reacts with cautious optimism, attention now turns to the implementation of the truce and the hope that it will finally bring enduring peace to a region long scarred by war and suffering.