Wellington, Oct 9 (AP) - On Thursday, a breakthrough was announced in the Gaza conflict as US President Donald Trump revealed that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the "first phase" of a peace deal. This development signifies a potential end to the two-year war in Gaza. World leaders quickly reacted, expressing optimism for peace and emphasizing the need for both parties to uphold their commitments.
Under the deal, Hamas is set to release all 20 living hostages over the coming days in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Concurrently, the Israeli military will begin withdrawing from most of Gaza.
Trump shared on social media, "This means that ALL of the hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their troops to an agreed-upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also took to social media, affirming, "With God's help, we will bring them all home." Here are the responses from other global leaders:
Turkiye
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose nation played a role in the negotiations, lauded the agreement. He expressed gratitude to President Trump, Qatar, and Egypt for their efforts in facilitating the deal. Erdogan committed to monitoring the implementation closely while extending solidarity with the Palestinian people.
Turkiye's Foreign Ministry emphasized the importance of humanitarian aid and rebuilding efforts in Gaza.
Egypt
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi hailed the deal as a "historic moment," marking both the end of the war and the beginning of a hopeful future for regional stability and justice.
United Nations
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres pledged UN support for the deal's implementation and humanitarian efforts in Gaza. He urged a focus on establishing a credible political path towards a two-state solution.
China
China expressed hope for a "lasting and comprehensive" ceasefire. The Chinese government reiterated its commitment to working internationally for a fair resolution to the Palestinian issue, advocating for a two-state solution.
France
President Emmanuel Macron expressed optimism, acknowledging Trump and the mediators' efforts. He emphasized the importance of upholding the terms and advancing towards a two-state solution.
Germany
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed the agreement, expressing optimism for a comprehensive deal within the week.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia expressed hope that this step would lead to alleviating Palestinian suffering and advancing peace based on a two-state solution.
Jordan
Jordan's Ayman Safadi commended Qatar, Egypt, and the US for their roles and underlined the necessity for aid in Gaza.
Lebanon
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasized the need for a permanent ceasefire and peace efforts that ensure Palestinian rights and address Israel's regional policies.
Italy
Italy's Premier Giorgia Meloni described the agreement as "extraordinary news," urging respect for its terms and supporting efforts for stabilizing and developing Gaza.
Netherlands
Foreign Minister David van Weel called the agreement a "significant step" towards Middle Eastern peace, stressing full implementation is crucial.
Canada
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed relief for the hostages' imminent release, urging swift implementation of the agreement.
Argentina
Argentine President Javier Milei announced plans to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, highlighting his role in achieving this significant agreement.
Australia
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the agreement as a "ray of light," signaling hope for a new era beyond decades of conflict.
Japan
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi welcomed the agreement, acknowledging its importance in de-escalation and supporting the two-state solution.
(Only the headline of this report may have been reworked by Editorji; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
