Global reaction to a pivotal ceasefire development
World leaders on Thursday issued a wave of statements commending Israel and Hamas for agreeing to the first phase of a ceasefire deal, with many also praising U.S. President Donald Trump for his administration’s role in brokering the accord. The early chorus of endorsements underscores how high-stakes diplomacy can shape responses even amid a volatile regional landscape.
Key voices and their messages
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer framed the agreement as a moment of relief for hostages and civilians in Gaza, emphasizing the humanitarian stakes and the need for durable peace. French President Emmanuel Macron, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued statements that closely mirrored Starmer’s tone, while also urging adherence to the terms of the deal.
President Trump announced that both sides had “signed off” on the plan’s first phase, asserting that all hostages would be released “very soon” and that Israeli troops would withdraw to an agreed line. He framed the deal as a path toward a “Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace,” and asserted that all parties would be treated fairly in the process.
What the deal reportedly entails
While the full text remained under wraps on Thursday, the outline described by Trump included a partial Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the release of remaining hostages by Hamas. A still-nascent count of Palestinian prisoners was also expected to be released from Israeli jails. Negotiators suggested that roughly 2,000 prisoners could be involved in some form of exchange deal, though exact numbers and verification mechanisms had not been disclosed.
Israeli officials were preparing to ratify the agreement, with details still being finalized. U.S. envoys and President Trump’s inner circle — including White House Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner — had been in Cairo for the negotiations, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio coordinated from Washington.
Regional and international reactions
Trump’s supporters in Washington, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, hailed the deal as a “truly historic achievement.” Beyond the United States, leaders and aid organizations expressed cautious optimism about the potential for reduced hostilities and improved humanitarian access.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog publicly thanked those involved in the mediation and praised Trump’s leadership. Herzog went as far as suggesting that Trump’s work could merit Nobel Prize consideration, and he indicated a warm reception if the president visited Israel in the near future.
The Palestinian Authority, which governs parts of the West Bank, welcomed the deal as a “prelude to reaching a permanent political solution.” In its statement, the Authority thanked Trump and other mediators for their efforts and signaled willingness to engage with international partners to ensure stability and a just peace in line with international law.
Unfolding humanitarian and diplomatic implications
UN Secretary-General Guterres highlighted the unprecedented diplomatic effort, noting the role of regional players such as Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey in moving the plan forward. The UN also pledged to ramp up humanitarian relief and support Gaza’s recovery and reconstruction, signaling a long-term investment in civilian well-being beyond the immediate ceasefire.
European leaders, from Costa to von der Leyen, described the agreement as a foundation for a lasting peace anchored in a two-state framework. They stressed that the ceasefire should enable the full release of hostages, halt the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and create the conditions for broader negotiations that can address core political issues.
Looking ahead
While the first phase represents a hopeful milestone, observers caution that many obstacles remain. The success of the agreement will hinge on sustained adherence to the ceasefire terms, credible verification of prisoner releases, and tangible measures to protect civilians. Diplomats emphasize that ongoing, good-faith engagement among Israelis, Palestinians, and international mediators will be essential to converting this initial step into a durable peace process.
In the coming days, capitals will watch for concrete implementation signals, with humanitarian agencies preparing for enhanced access and relief distribution. If the momentum endures, this nascent accord could mark a turning point in one of the region’s longest-running conflicts, reinforcing the idea that targeted diplomacy backed by credible mediators can deliver tangible benefits for ordinary people on both sides.
