Athens, Oct 9 (AP) - On Thursday, global leaders voiced optimism for tranquility and called upon Israel and Hamas to honor their commitments following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a "first phase" agreement. This signifies a pivotal breakthrough in the two-year Gaza conflict.
In an exchange involving Palestinian prisoners, Hamas is set to release all 20 remaining hostages within days, while Israel's military plans to retreat from most of Gaza. "This means that all hostages will be released imminently, and Israeli troops will withdraw to a pre-determined line as an initial step towards a strong, lasting peace," Trump shared on social media.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed these sentiments, writing, "With God’s help, we will bring them all home." Other leaders also shared their reflections on the development.
Turkiye:
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who played a significant role in negotiations, commended the agreement. On X, he thanked Trump, alongside Qatar and Egypt, for their contributions to the deal. “I extend my heartfelt greetings to my Palestinian brothers and sisters who have endured indescribable suffering for two years,” Erdogan stated, asserting that Turkiye will oversee the deal's full execution.
Egypt:
President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi heralded the Israel-Hamas deal as a "historic moment." "This agreement not only ends the war but also ushers in hope for justice and stability in the region," he expressed on social media. Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty indicated optimism for a "new chapter in the region" for both Palestinian and Israeli people.
United Arab Emirates:
The UAE praised the move towards a ceasefire, expressing hopes it represents a "positive step toward ending suffering in Gaza" and advancing a two-state solution.
United Nations:
UN Secretary-General António Guterres stressed the UN's commitment to supporting the agreement's full implementation and humanitarian relief in Gaza. He urged pursuit of a political path recognizing Palestinian self-determination and achieving a two-state solution.
China:
China called for a "lasting and comprehensive" ceasefire, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun noting hopes for alleviating Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. "We are ready to work with the global community toward sustainable peace in the Middle East," he remarked, reaffirming support for a two-state solution.
France:
President Emmanuel Macron labeled the agreement a "great hope for hostages, Palestinians in Gaza, and the entire region." He acknowledged Trump's and other mediators' efforts on X, urging adherence to the agreement’s terms. Macron suggested European and Arab foreign ministers would convene in Paris to discuss the deal, emphasizing a two-state solution.
United Kingdom:
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer endorsed the agreement and lobbied for the immediate removal of aid restrictions. During an India visit, he applauded mediators' diplomatic efforts and committed UK support for converting the ceasefire into a long-term peace path.
Germany:
Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed the agreement, hopeful for another resolution soon, while remaining cautiously optimistic about the future.
Saudi Arabia:
The kingdom's foreign ministry expressed hopes for alleviating humanitarian suffering in Gaza and laid out a vision for comprehensive peace based on a two-state solution.
Jordan:
Deputy Prime Minister Ayman Safadi praised the efforts of the U.S., alongside Egypt and Qatar, welcoming Turkiye’s contributions. He emphasized on opening aid channels to Gaza.
Lebanon:
President Joseph Aoun expressed hopes for a permanent ceasefire and called for continued international efforts for peace, urging Israel to cease aggressive policies in the region.
Italy:
Premier Giorgia Meloni hailed the agreement as "extraordinary news" and a unique opportunity to end the conflict. She urged respect for the agreement's measures and indicated Italy’s readiness to back stabilization and reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
The Netherlands:
Foreign Minister David van Weel commended the accord as a "significant turning point." On an Indonesian visit, he emphasized the need for a full plan implementation starting with hostage release and unhindered humanitarian aid flow.
Canada:
Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed relief at the impending hostage reunions and the newfound peace opportunity.
Argentina:
President Javier Milei expressed intentions to nominate Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, citing his outstanding contributions to peace.
Japan:
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba lauded the agreement and stressed pursuing humanitarian improvements and a two-state solution. He credited Trump's leadership in achieving a ceasefire and hostages’ release.
(Only the headline of this report may have been reworked by Editorji; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
