PM Modi, world leaders welcome Gaza ceasefire, praise Trump’s peace efforts

We welcome the release of all hostages after over two years of captivity. Their freedom stands as a tribute to the courage of their families, the unwavering peace efforts of President Trump and the strong resolve of Prime Minister Netanyahu. We support President Trump’s sincere…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 13, 2025

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that all living hostages were handed over to the Red Cross on Monday, as part of the first phase of the exchange. The deal also includes the planned release of over 2,000 Palestinian prisoners later in the day.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the development marked the beginning of “a new path” for the country. “Tomorrow, the sons will return to their borders. Tomorrow is the beginning of a new path a path of building, of healing, and I hope, of uniting hearts,” he said.

מחר ישובו בנים לגבולם.

מחר זו תחילתה של דרך חדשה.
דרך של בנייה, דרך של ריפוי, ואני מקווה – דרך של איחוד לבבות. pic.twitter.com/BepFQzpHTB

— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) October 12, 2025

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the move “the first, crucial phase” in ending the war. “Now we must deliver lasting peace and a secure future for the whole region. The UK is providing additional humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza and will lead efforts to support reconstruction,” he said in a post on X.

Today is the first, crucial phase in ending the war in the Middle East.

Now we must deliver lasting peace and a secure future for the whole region.

The UK is providing additional humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza, and we will lead efforts to accelerate its reconstruction.

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) October 13, 2025

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also hailed the ceasefire, saying it “means a new chapter can begin.” She added that Europe “fully supports the peace plan brokered by the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye.”

The return of the Israeli hostages is a moment of pure joy for those families.

And a moment of relief for the entire world.

It means that a page can be turned. A new chapter can begin.

Europe fully supports the peace plan brokered by the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and…

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) October 13, 2025

French President Emmanuel Macron said the release of the hostages showed that “peace becomes possible.” He added, “I share the joy of the families and of the Israeli people as seven hostages have just been handed over to the Red Cross. With their release and that of the 13 others expected this morning peace becomes possible for Israel, for Gaza, and for the region.”

I share the joy of the families and of the Israeli people as seven hostages have just been handed over to the Red Cross. My team and I had recently met their parents.

Eitan Mor, Gali and Ziv Berman, Matan Angrest, Omri Miran, Alon Ahel and Guy Gilboa-Dalal are safe.…

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) October 13, 2025

Trump’s senior envoy Steve Witkoff said it was “deeply gratifying” to see hostages reunited with their families. “Today, 20 families are spared the unbearable pain of not knowing if they will ever see their loved ones again,” he wrote.

Today is the first, crucial phase in ending the war in the Middle East.

Now we must deliver lasting peace and a secure future for the whole region.

The UK is providing additional humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza, and we will lead efforts to accelerate its reconstruction.

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) October 13, 2025

Israeli President Isaac Herzog said on X that Israel is “waiting for everyone every last one,” adding, “With thanks to God, we welcome our loved ones home.”

“And the children shall return to their own borders.”
With thanks to God we welcome our loved ones home.

We are waiting for everyone — every last one. 🎗

— יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) October 13, 2025