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Leaders React to Trump’s Announcement on the First Phase of Gaza Deal
U.S. President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that Israel and Hamas have reached a long-awaited agreement on a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza—part of his plan to end the two-year-long conflict in the Palestinian territory.
Here’s how global leaders responded to the development:
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer
“I welcome the news that an agreement has been reached on the first phase of President Trump’s Gaza peace plan,” Starmer said in a statement.
“This is a moment of profound relief felt around the world—especially for the hostages, their families, and the civilians in Gaza who have endured unimaginable suffering over the past two years.
“The agreement must now be fully implemented without delay, and all restrictions on life-saving humanitarian aid to Gaza should be lifted immediately.
“We urge all parties to honor their commitments, end the war, and lay the foundation for a just and lasting resolution and a durable path to peace.”
Global Affairs Canada
“Canada welcomes the agreement between Israel and Hamas to implement the first phase of President Trump’s peace plan, supported by Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey,” Global Affairs Canada—the department that manages the country’s diplomatic and consular relations—said on X.
“After two long years, hostages will finally be reunited with their families, and Israeli troops will withdraw behind agreed lines. Immediate and unhindered humanitarian assistance must reach those in need in Gaza.
“Canada will support all efforts to turn this positive step into lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike.”
U.S. President Donald Trump
“I am very proud to announce that both Israel and Hamas have signed onto the first phase of our peace plan,” Trump said on Truth Social.
“This means that all hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw its troops to a defined boundary—a first step toward strong, lasting, and permanent peace.
“All parties will be treated fairly! This is a great day for the Arab and Muslim world, for Israel, for all neighboring nations, and for the United States. We thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey who worked with us to make this historic and unprecedented event possible. Blessed are the peacemakers!”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
“A great day for Israel,” Netanyahu said in a statement.
“Tomorrow, I will call on the government to approve this agreement and bring all our beloved hostages home. I thank our brave IDF soldiers and all the security forces—through their courage and sacrifice, we have reached this moment.
“I also extend my heartfelt thanks to President Trump and his team for their dedication to this sacred mission of freeing our hostages.
“With God’s help, we will continue to achieve all our goals and expand peace with our neighbors.”
Hamas (Islamic Resistance Movement)
“We deeply appreciate the efforts of our brothers and mediators in Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, and we also value the efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at ending the war completely and ensuring full withdrawal from the Gaza Strip,” Hamas said in a statement.
“We call on President Trump, the guarantor states, and all Arab, Islamic, and international parties to compel the occupying government to fully implement its obligations under the agreement and prevent any attempt to evade or delay its commitments.
“We salute our great people in Gaza, Jerusalem, the West Bank, and across the homeland and diaspora for their unmatched resilience, courage, and heroism in resisting fascist occupation schemes targeting them and their national rights. Their steadfastness has thwarted Israel’s plans of domination and displacement.
“We reaffirm that our people’s sacrifices will not be in vain, and we remain steadfast in our pledge—not to relinquish our national rights until freedom, independence, and self-determination are achieved.”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres
“I welcome the announcement of an agreement to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza, based on the proposal presented by President Donald J. Trump,” Guterres said in a statement.
“I commend the diplomatic efforts of the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey in mediating this much-needed breakthrough.
“I urge all parties to fully comply with the terms of the agreement. All hostages must be released with dignity. A lasting ceasefire must be ensured. The fighting must stop—forever. Humanitarian and essential commercial supplies must flow into Gaza without delay or obstruction. The suffering must end.
“The United Nations will support full implementation of the agreement, scale up principled humanitarian relief, and advance reconstruction and recovery efforts in Gaza.
“I call on all stakeholders to seize this critical opportunity to end the occupation, recognize the Palestinian right to self-determination, and establish a credible political path toward a two-state solution where Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace and security.
“The stakes have never been higher.”
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters
“Hamas must release all hostages, and Israel must withdraw its troops to the agreed lines,” Peters said in a statement.
“This is a vital first step toward achieving lasting peace. We urge both Israel and Hamas to continue working toward a comprehensive resolution.”
