Global leaders hail peace deal as Israel awaits hostage release after signing of Gaza agreement

Leaders from around the world united in celebration and hope last night as Israel and Hamas announced a full hostage release and a permanent ceasefire deal.

Many reacted swiftly on social media following U.S. President Donald Trump’s official statement on his platform, Truth Social.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres referred to the Gaza deal as a "breakthrough.”

"I welcome the announcement of an agreement to secure a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza, based on the proposal put forward by President Donald J. Trump. I commend the diplomatic efforts of the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey in brokering this desperately needed breakthrough," he said.

"I urge all concerned to abide fully by the terms of the agreement. All hostages must be released in a dignified manner. A permanent ceasefire must be secured,” he continued.

“The fighting must stop once and for all. Immediate and unimpeded entry of humanitarian supplies and essential commercial materials into Gaza must be ensured. The suffering must end.”

Guterres stated that, in line with the agreement, the UN would “increase the delivery of humanitarian aid and support the recovery and rebuilding efforts in Gaza.”

“I urge all stakeholders to seize this momentous opportunity to establish a credible political path forward towards ending the occupation,” he said, emphasizing the need to recognize “the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people,” and to pursue “a two-state solution that enables Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security.”

He added, “The stakes have never been higher.”

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the announcement, praising the mediation efforts led by Trump as well as those by Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey.

“A great hope for the hostages and their families, for the Palestinians in Gaza, and for the entire region,” Macron wrote on 𝕏.

He urged all parties to “strictly uphold” the ceasefire terms, stressing that the agreement “must mark the end of the war and the beginning of a political solution based on the two-state framework.” He further remarked that “France stands ready to contribute to this goal” and that they’d “discuss it in Paris with [their] international partners.”

France is one of four countries that has formally recognized a Palestinian state.

Spain has also made headlines this year both for its recognition of a Palestinian state and for several incidents of antisemitism that have rattled the European nation.

Still, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said his government welcomes the latest developments in the Middle East, stressing that “now is the time to foster dialogue, support the civilian population, and look to the future with hope – but also with justice and remembrance, to ensure such atrocities are never repeated.”

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said “the agreement must now be implemented in full, without delay, and accompanied by the immediate lifting of all restrictions on life-saving humanitarian aid to Gaza.”

“We call on all parties to meet the commitments they have made, to end the war, and to build the foundations for a just and lasting end to the conflict and a sustainable path to a long-term peace,” Starmer added.

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters called on both sides to “continue working toward a comprehensive resolution.”

In a statement, he emphasized that “Hamas must release all hostages, and Israel must pull back its forces to the agreed-upon line,” adding that this represents “a vital first step toward lasting peace.”

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday praised the agreement marking the first phase of Trump’s peace plan between Israel and Hamas, describing it as a positive step toward lasting peace in the region.

“We welcome the agreement on the first phase of President Trump’s peace plan. It also reflects the strong leadership of Prime Minister Netanyahu,” Modi wrote in a post on 𝕏.

Expressing hope for stability in Gaza, Modi said the release of hostages and increased humanitarian aid “will bring much-needed relief and help lay the foundation for enduring peace.”

Germany’s Ambassador to Israel, Steffen Seibert, expressed his anticipation for the war’s end and the safe release of the hostages.

"Thank you to the peacemakers! It’s beautiful to wake up to the prospect of an end of the nightmare: can’t wait for the hostages’ release and for the war to end" he said.

Germany has been a strong ally of Israel throughout the two year duration of the war with Gaza, while also encouraging Israel to step up their humanitarian efforts in Gaza.

Italy’s foreign minister offered his country’s military assistance for any peacekeeping efforts needed in the region. "The peace is near," Antonio Tajani said on Friday on 𝕏. "Italy, which has always supported the US plan, is ready to do its part to consolidate the ceasefire, deliver new humanitarian aid, and participate in the reconstruction of Gaza. We are also ready to send troops if an international peacekeeping force is created to reunify Palestine."

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also expressed his satisfaction on Thursday with the outcome of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire talks, which led to a ceasefire agreement for Gaza. He emphasized that Turkey will closely oversee the strict enforcement of the deal and remain actively involved in supporting the process.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas called the agreement on the first phase of the Gaza peace deal “a significant breakthrough.”

She affirmed the EU’s commitment to ensuring the safe delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and emphasized that the current moment must be used to advance a two-state solution.

"This is a major diplomatic accomplishment and a real chance to end a devastating war and release all the hostages. The EU will do what it can to support its implementation.”