International reactions poured in on Thursday following the announcement of an agreement to cease fire in the Gaza Strip after more than two years of aggression that resulted in the death of over 67,000 Palestinians.

The announcement came after days of indirect negotiations held away from the spotlight in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, involving American, Egyptian, Turkish, and Qatari mediators to end a devastating war ongoing for two years in the besieged territory.

Since October 7, 2023, the Israeli occupation committed acts of genocide in Gaza, resulting in the death of more than 67,183 martyrs, and injuring 169,841, mostly children and women, with famine claiming the lives of 460 Palestinians including 154 children.

US President Donald Trump said that Israel and Hamas agreed on the first phase of the peace plan, explaining that all detainees will be released soon, and that Israel will withdraw its forces to an agreed line in preparation for a “strong and lasting” peace.

Trump predicted the release of detainees next Monday, saying, “I believe the detainees will return on Monday (…) including the bodies of the deceased.”

Families of detainees in Gaza sent a message to Trump expressing their deep gratitude for the agreement that led to “ending the war and returning their loved ones,” explaining that the agreement “gave them what they thought they had lost forever.”

The families invited the US president to meet with them during his upcoming visit to the region to personally express their thanks, expressing confidence in Trump’s ability to end suffering and bring peace to the region since his election.

United Nations

UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the announcement on Thursday of an agreement to secure a ceasefire and release detainees in Gaza, based on the proposal put forward by President Trump.

Guterres praised the diplomatic efforts made by the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey in mediating this much-needed achievement, urging all parties involved to fully comply with the terms of the agreement.

He said, “All detainees must be released humanely. A permanent ceasefire must be secured. Fighting must stop completely. Immediate and unhindered access for humanitarian supplies and essential commercial goods to Gaza must be ensured. Suffering must end.”

United Kingdom

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also welcomed the agreement on the first phase of Trump’s peace plan in Gaza, urging its full and prompt implementation.

Starmer said in a statement, “I welcome the news of reaching an agreement on the first phase of President Trump’s peace plan in Gaza.”

He added, “This agreement must now be fully implemented without delay, accompanied by an immediate lifting of all restrictions on life-saving humanitarian aid to Gaza.”

Canada

Canada also welcomed Hamas and Israel’s approval to implement the first phase of Trump’s peace plan.

Australia

In a statement signed by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Australia welcomed Trump’s announcement regarding the agreement between Israel and Hamas on the first phase of a plan aimed at “bringing peace to Gaza.”

The statement confirmed that this step is “an important development after more than two years of conflict and a large number of civilian casualties and hostage-taking,” considering it a necessary step towards achieving peace.

The statement noted that Australia has always been part of international efforts calling for a ceasefire, ensuring the return of hostages, and facilitating unhindered humanitarian aid access to Gaza, urging all parties to respect the plan’s terms.

The statement emphasized Australia’s support for the plan’s commitment to preventing Hamas from playing any role in Gaza’s future governance, affirming that the road ahead remains long for the sector’s recovery, achieving lasting peace, and building a Palestinian state.

India

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the agreement on the first phase of the president’s peace plan, saying it “reflects the strong leadership of Prime Minister Netanyahu.”

He expressed hope that the agreement would contribute to the release of detainees and enhance humanitarian aid to Gaza’s population to alleviate their suffering, paving the way for lasting peace.