Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of American President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan for the Gaza Strip, which provides for a ceasefire and exchange of hostages with Palestinian prisoners.
Read: These are the last Israeli hostages of Hamas (Photos)
The agreement was reached after indirect negotiations in Egypt and was announced exactly two years after Hamas’s initial attack on Israeli territory that triggered the war.
Donald Trump announced that both Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase of the plan, under which all hostages held by the Palestinian organization will be released “very soon,” both alive and dead, and Israeli troops will withdraw to the so-called yellow line in Gaza. According to a senior Israeli security official, this is the border for the initial withdrawal of Israeli forces.
Hamas confirmed that it reached an agreement to end the war, which provides for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the exchange of hostages with Palestinian prisoners. The organization asked Trump and the guarantor countries to ensure that Israel will fully implement the ceasefire.
Meloni: Excellent news
“The agreement reached in Egypt for the implementation of the first phase of President Trump’s peace plan is excellent news,” emphasized Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
The Italian Prime Minister also thanked the American President “for relentlessly pursuing the end of the armed conflict in Gaza,” as well as the international mediators.
“Italy will continue to support the efforts of mediators and is ready to contribute to stabilization, reconstruction and development of Gaza,” stressed the head of Rome’s government.
Erdogan: We will continue the struggle for an independent Palestinian state
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomes the Gaza ceasefire agreement with satisfaction. “I am very satisfied with the ceasefire in Gaza,” he stated, thanking Donald Trump, as well as Qatar and Egypt.
“As Turkey, we will closely monitor the faithful implementation of the agreement and will continue to contribute to the process.
Similarly, we will continue our struggle until an independent, sovereign and geographically unified Palestinian state is established with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the 1967 borders,” he added.
Russia: The agreement causes satisfaction, we await actions
The announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas in Gaza, under the auspices of US President Donald Trump, cannot but cause “general satisfaction,” but must be followed by “actions,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said today.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov noted that Trump’s plan is “the best solution we have on the table” and “gives hope,” although it refers to “statehood” with rather vague terms and not in relation to the West Bank.
Guterres: Significant opportunity
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres characterized the agreement as a “significant opportunity,” adding that the United Nations will support the “full implementation” of the agreement, increase humanitarian aid delivery, and boost reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
“The suffering must end,” Guterres stated.
Von der Leyen: This is the opportunity to forge a credible political path toward lasting peace
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the agreement.
“I welcome the announcement of an agreement to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza, based on the proposal submitted by @POTUS. I commend the diplomatic efforts of the United States, Qatar, Egypt and Turkey in achieving this significant development. I am also encouraged by the support of the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority. Now, all parties must fully comply with the terms of the agreement. All hostages must be safely released. A permanent ceasefire must be achieved. The suffering must stop. The EU will continue to support the rapid and safe delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. And when the time comes, we will be ready to help with recovery and reconstruction. Today’s opportunity must be seized. It is the opportunity to forge a credible political path toward lasting peace and security. A path firmly based on the two-state solution,” von der Leyen noted in her post on X.
Kaja Kallas: Significant diplomatic achievement
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called it a “significant diplomatic achievement.” “The agreement between Israel and Hamas on the first phase of the American plan for Gaza represents significant progress and a real opportunity to end the war and free all hostages,” noted Kaja Kallas, adding that “the EU will do everything it can to support its implementation.”
Keir Starmer: Deep relief felt around the world
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said achieving the agreement is a moment of “deep relief that will be felt around the world,” calling on all sides “to honor the commitments they have made, end the war and lay the foundations for a just and lasting end to the conflict.”
Macron: Both sides must strictly respect its terms
Emmanuel Macron welcomed the agreement reached for the release of hostages and ceasefire in Gaza, “as well as the efforts of President Trump and the mediators Qatar, Egypt and Turkey to achieve it.” He called on “the parties to strictly respect its terms.”
“This agreement must mark the end of the war and the beginning of a political solution based on the two-state solution,” the French President wrote.
Mitsotakis: Greece commits to a secure and peaceful Middle East and is ready to play its role
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis also welcomed the Gaza agreement, reiterating our country’s commitment to a secure and peaceful Middle East.
At the same time, Mr. Mitsotakis emphasized once again Greece’s readiness to play its role.
“I welcome the agreement on the first phase of President Trump’s plan for Gaza – a step toward hope and stability. All parties must fully comply with the terms. Greece reaffirms its commitment to a secure and peaceful Middle East and is ready to play its role,” the Prime Minister wrote.
Merz: Encouraging development
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he considers the announcement of the agreement between Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire in Gaza encouraging and expressed his belief in a more comprehensive solution this week.
China: We support the two-state solution
China expressed hope for a “permanent and complete” ceasefire in Gaza, “in order to effectively alleviate the humanitarian crisis and reduce regional tensions.”
“China supports respect for the principle that Palestine will be governed by Palestinians and promotes implementation of the two-state solution,” said Guo Jiakun, spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
Carney: Trump’s leadership substantial
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney sent congratulations to Donald Trump “for his substantial leadership” and thanked Qatar, Egypt and Turkey “for their tireless work supporting negotiations.” “I am relieved that hostages will soon be reunited with their families,” Carney added.
Albanese: Valuable step toward peace
“After more than two years of conflict, hostage-taking and a catastrophic loss of civilians, this is a valuable step toward peace,” said Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, calling on Israel and Hamas “to respect the terms of the plan.”
Modi: Humanitarian aid to bring relief to Gaza
In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed hope that the release of hostages and increased flow of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza will bring them relief and pave the way for lasting peace.
New Zealand PM: Trump’s announcement a milestone
“President Trump’s announcement… represents a milestone in a conflict that has killed far too many people,” said New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. “New Zealand welcomes the news and hopes this development will provide a platform for a lasting solution where future generations of Israelis and Palestinians will live in peace and security,” he added.
Milei: Exceptional contribution to international peace
In Argentina, President Javier Milei congratulated his American counterpart, characterizing the agreement in his X post as historic and an “exceptional contribution to international peace.”
Foreign Ministry: Greece welcomes the historic agreement
“Greece welcomes the historic agreement reached between Israel and Hamas regarding the first phase of US President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza, which led to a ceasefire, increased provision of humanitarian aid and release of all hostages,” the Foreign Ministry states in its post on platform “X.”
“It is imperative that all parties comply with the terms of the agreement. If this momentum is leveraged and the agreement is fully implemented, this significant development will be proof of the power of diplomacy and strong leadership,” it adds.
“Greece is ready to contribute to the implementation of the plan, which represents a critical step toward a comprehensive solution, lasting peace and prosperity in the region,” it emphasizes.
