World leaders are reacting to the announcement by US President Donald Trump that Israel and Hamas had signed off on the first phase of his plan for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release, aimed at ending the two-year-old conflict in the Palestinian enclave. “I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan,” Trump said on Truth Social. “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. All Parties will be treated fairly! This is a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America.” He thanked mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, describing the deal as a “Historic and Unprecedented Event” and adding, “BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!” International leaders welcome the deal PM Modi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday hailed the success of the first phase of US President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza. “We welcome the agreement on the first phase of President Trump’s peace plan. This is also a reflection of the strong leadership of PM Netanyahu. We hope the release of hostages and enhanced humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza will bring respite to them and pave the way for lasting peace,” Modi posted on X. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: He described it as “a big day for Israel” according to Reuters, and said he would convene the government to approve the agreement and bring hostages home. He thanked Trump and his team “for their dedication to this sacred mission of freeing our hostages.” Hamas: The organisation praised the efforts of mediators and Trump, calling on all parties to ensure Israel fully implements its obligations. The movement emphasised that the sacrifices of Palestinians would not be in vain and reaffirmed their commitment to national rights. UN Secretary-General António Guterres: He commended the diplomatic efforts, urging all sides to abide by the agreement, ensure the release of hostages, secure a permanent ceasefire, and allow unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer: He called the announcement “a moment of profound relief that will be felt all around the world, but particularly for the hostages, their families, and for the civilian population of Gaza,” reported Reuters. He urged that the agreement be implemented immediately, with life-saving humanitarian aid allowed into Gaza. New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters: The minister said, as per reports by Reuters, “Hamas needs to release all of the hostages and Israel must withdraw their troops to the agreed-upon line. This is an essential first step towards achieving lasting peace.” Government of Canada: The government’s Global Affairs department said on X that it welcomed the agreement facilitated by Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey. “After two long years, hostages will finally be reunited with their families, and that Israeli troops will withdraw to behind agreed upon lines,” the statement said, adding that Canada would support efforts to turn this step into lasting peace. (With inputs from agencies)
