Negotiators reached a phased ceasefire deal on Wednesday in the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas to stop the 15-month war in the Gaza Strip, starting 19 January. Here is some reaction to the deal.
United States
Both US President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump praised the announcement of the deal. They’ve both also claimed credit for making the deal possible.
US President Joe Biden says the deal was “developed to negotiate” under his administration” but it will largely be implemented under Trump’s incoming cabinet.
Donald Trump on the other hand took to his own social media platform, Truth Social, to praise the new deal.
“This EPIC ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November, as it signalled to the entire World that my Administration would seek Peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans, and our Allies. I am thrilled American and Israeli hostages will be returning home to be reunited with their families and loved ones.”
Qatar
Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani hailed the announcement of the deal.
“We hope that the announcement of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza will contribute to ending the aggression, destruction and killing in the Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories”, said Tamim in a post on X.
United Nations
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres also welcomed the ceasefire agreement.
In a post on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, he said, “I welcome the announcement of a deal to secure a ceasefire & hostage release in Gaza. I commend the mediators — Egypt, Qatar & the USA — for their dedicated efforts in brokering this deal.”
Iran
The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Thursday over the ceasefire deal reached to end the Gaza war, according to the Iranian news agency Mehr.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs extended congratulations to the Palestinian nation.
The ministry considered the deal a result of the Gaza people’s sympathy with the Resistance and standing against the forced migration of Palestinians.
Italy
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government has welcomed the agreement between Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire in Gaza, according to ANSA.
“Italy warmly welcomes the announcement that an agreement has been reached for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of the hostages held by Hamas, and congratulates Egypt, Qatar and the United States for this result, achieved after a long negotiation process which the Italian Government has always firmly supported, also as G7 Presidency,” the premier’s office said in a statement.
Turkey
The Turkish Foreign Ministry welcomed on Thursday the Gaza ceasefire deal clinched between Hamas and Israel, lauding the mediation efforts exerted by Egypt and Qatar.
In a statement on Thursday, the ministry expressed gratitude for all mediating countries, especially Egypt and Qatar.
The ministry underlined the importance of full implementation of the agreement in order to ensure a permanent ceasefire, highlighting the necessity of handing over urgent humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Germany
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz praised the announcement.
The German leader, who is in the middle of preparing for his country’s upcoming election, took to X to urge Israel and Hamas to ensure the implementation of the deal and its terms “to the letter”.
United Kingdom
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer released a statement shortly after Qatar’s Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani announced the deal.
The British premier said, “After months of devastating bloodshed and countless lives lost, this is the long-overdue news that the Israeli and Palestinian people have desperately been waiting for”.
“The hostages who were brutally ripped from their homes on that day [7 October 2023] and held captive in unimaginable conditions ever since, can now finally return to their families. But we should also use this moment to pay tribute to those who won’t make it home”, said Starmer in a statement.
Pakistan
The Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed the ceasefire deal through his account on X platform.
“The people of Pakistan join me in welcoming the announcement of the long awaited ceasefire in Palestine. Appreciate the tireless efforts of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, USA, Egypt & other international partners who worked diligently to broker this vital agreement. It is imperative that provision of urgently needed humanitarian assistance is immediately restored to Gaza and other war-torn areas.
We hope this ceasefire agreement will be honoured in letter & spirit. Pakistan stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people and pays homage to the sacrifices of tens of thousands of innocent people who lost their lives as victims of Israeli atrocities over the past several decades. Pakistan reaffirms its call for a two-state solution in accordance with relevant UN resolutions, i.e. the creation of an independent state of Palestine with pre-1967 boundaries and Al Quds as its capital”.
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