International leaders have welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, ending 15 months of conflict in Gaza. The agreement has sparked cautious hope for an end to the humanitarian crisis and a path to lasting peace.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said member states stood ready to support the deal's implementation and scale up humanitarian relief. He stressed it was imperative that the ceasefire remove obstacles to aid delivery across Gaza.
US President Joe Biden acknowledged the suffering of Palestinians, stating, 'Too many innocent people have died.' President-elect Donald Trump claimed credit for the deal, saying it could only have happened after his election victory. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it 'long-overdue news' and emphasised the need for a two-state solution.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the deal 'brings hope to an entire region'. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed hope for a permanent end to the war, while Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi hailed his country's role in the negotiations.
Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan saluted the 'heroic people of Gaza', and South Africa welcomed the agreement as a crucial first step. Yemen's Houthi spokesperson praised Gaza's resilience, while Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also voiced support.
