'Extraordinary news': World breathes sigh of relief at Israel-Hamas peace deal

Reactions have poured in from world leaders after the announcement of a US-brokered deal between Israel and Hamas, agreeing to implement the first phase of President Donald Trump’s 21-point peace plan.

The breakthrough arrived at the end of the third day of indirect peace talks between the two, mediated by negotiators from Egypt, Qatar and Turkey, in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh.

The deal, announced by Trump in a Truth Social post, stipulates an immediate release of all remaining 48 hostages held under Hamas captivity in Gaza. Israel has also agreed to withdraw its troops to an agreed-upon line and to release Palestinian prisoners in return.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has welcomed the deal in a post on X, urging all parties to fully uphold the terms of the agreement.

“Now, all parties must fully uphold the terms of the agreement. All hostages must be released safely. A permanent ceasefire must be established. The suffering must end.”

Von der Leyen noted that for the EU’s part, the bloc will continue to facilitate the delivery of aid into the enclave and also pledged to assist with the Strip’s recovery and reconstruction.

“The EU will continue to support the swift and safe delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza. And when the time comes, we will be ready to help with recovery and reconstruction.”

The Commission chief also thanked Trump for brokering the deal and Qatar, Egypt and Turkey for their role in mediating what she called an opportunity “to forge a path” towards a two-state solution.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres also took to X to praise the new deal. He commended the mediating parties for their extensive diplomatic effort in securing the agreement.

Guterres also called on all parties to ensure that the deal and its terms are fully respected.

“I urge all concerned to abide fully by the terms of the agreement. All hostages must be released in a dignified manner,” wrote the UN boss.

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

Guterres also noted that the UN will support the full implementation of the deal and scale up the provision of humanitarian aid across the enclave. He also expressed hope that this newly found peace can lead to a two-state solution, based on the UN-adopted 1967 lines.

'Immense hope'

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised Trump for his “relentless pursuit of an end to the conflict in Gaza” and welcomed his announcement, calling it “extraordinary news”.

Spanish leader Pedro Sanchez also welcomed the deal but stressed that important work lies ahead to achieve a lasting peace.

Sanchez noted that it is now time to “engage in dialogue, assist the civilian population, and look to the future” to make sure the “atrocities experienced” are never repeated.

French President Emmanuel Macron took to X to express his “immense hope” for the Palestinians, the hostages and their families, and their families at large following the announcement of the deal.

He also expressed his country’s commitment to the two-state solution, pledging Paris’ contribution to the cause.

“This agreement must mark the end of the war and the opening of a political solution based on the two-state solution. France stands ready to contribute to this objective. We will discuss it this afternoon in Paris with our international partners.”

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the news is a moment of "profound relief that will be felt all around the world", as he too thanked the mediating countries for their "tireless diplomatic efforts".

The British premier called on all parties to fulfil their commitments, vowing that the UK would be involved to "support these crucial immediate steps" to ensure the full implementation of Trump's plan.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who just days ago met with Trump at the Oval Office, congratulated the US president for his “essential leadership”, as well as the mediating countries for striking the deal.

“After years of intense suffering, peace finally feels attainable,” he wrote on X.

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese released a statement with his Foreign Minister Penny Wong, welcoming the deal.

They acknowledged that Gaza’s road to recovery, long-term peace and rebuilding is long, and pledged their country’s help to achieve that.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim welcomed news of progress in the indirect talks between Israel and Hamas in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh.

He expressed Kuala Lumpur’s “full solidarity” with the people of Palestine in “their quest for justice, dignity and statehood”, and urged all relevant parties to move towards a “comprehensive and enduring peace.”