Following the overnight signing of an agreement to end the war in Gaza, world leaders are responding to the dramatic development in the Middle East.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer released a statement declaring, "I welcome the news that a deal has been reached on the first stage of President Trump's peace plan for Gaza. This is a moment of profound relief that will be felt right across the world, but especially for the hostages, their families, and the civilian population in Gaza, all of whom have suffered unimaginable suffering over the past two years. This agreement must now be implemented in full, without delay, and accompanied by the immediate removal of all restrictions on life-saving humanitarian aid to Gaza. We call on all parties to honor the commitments they have made, end the war, and build the foundations for a just and lasting end to the conflict and a sustainable path to long-term peace."
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese released a joint statement with Foreign Minister Penny Wong stating, "Australia welcomes President Trump's announcement that Israel and Hamas have approved the first phase of the plan to bring peace to Gaza. After more than two years of conflict, hostages held and devastating loss of civilian lives, this is a much-needed step toward peace. Australia has consistently been part of international calls for a ceasefire, return of hostages, and unimpeded flow of aid to Gaza. We call on all parties to respect the terms of the plan. Australia strongly supports the plan's commitment to deny Hamas any role in the future governance of Gaza. There is a very long way to go for recovery in Gaza, ensuring long-term peace, and building the Palestinian state. Together with our partners, Australia will continue to do everything in its power to contribute to a just and lasting two-state solution."
The Canadian government's Foreign Ministry declared, "Canada welcomes the agreement by Israel and Hamas to implement the first phase of the peace plan proposed by President Trump, and facilitated by Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey. After two long years, hostages will finally be reunited with their families, and IDF forces will withdraw behind the agreed lines. Immediate and unimpeded humanitarian aid must be provided to the many desperately in need throughout Gaza. Canada will support all efforts to turn this positive step into lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians."
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani posted on X, "From the Middle East comes excellent news, peace is near. Italy, which has consistently supported the American plan, is prepared to contribute to strengthening the ceasefire, facilitating the arrival of additional humanitarian aid, and participating in Gaza's reconstruction. Also ready to send troops in case of creating an international peacekeeping force to reunite Palestine."
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas posted, "The agreement on the first phase of the peace plan in Gaza represents a significant breakthrough. This is a major diplomatic achievement and a real opportunity to end a devastating war and release all hostages. The European Union will do everything in its power to support its implementation."
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted, "We welcome the agreement on the first phase of President Trump's peace plan. This is also a reflection of Prime Minister Netanyahu's strong leadership. We hope that the release of hostages and increased humanitarian aid to Gaza residents will bring them relief and pave the way for lasting peace."
UN Secretary-General António Guterres released a statement declaring, "I welcome the announcement of an agreement to secure a ceasefire and release of hostages in Gaza, based on the proposal put forward by President Donald Trump. I commend the diplomatic efforts of the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey in mediating this desperately needed breakthrough. I call on all parties concerned to fully comply with the terms of the agreement. All hostages must be released in a dignified manner. A permanent ceasefire must be ensured. Fighting must stop once and for all. Immediate and unimpeded entry of humanitarian supplies and essential commercial materials to Gaza must be guaranteed. The suffering must end. The UN will support full implementation of the agreement and will increase delivery of ongoing and principled humanitarian aid, and we will advance recovery and reconstruction efforts in Gaza. I call on all stakeholders to seize this important opportunity to establish a credible political path forward toward ending the occupation, recognizing the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and achieving the two-state solution that enables Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security. The stakes have never been higher."
