Leaders react to agreement on first phase of Trump's Gaza deal

Leaders across the world have welcomed the Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal brokered under U.S. President Donald Trump's peace plan, calling it a critical first step but warning that full implementation is essential.

The agreement, announced on Wednesday, marks the first phase of a long-awaited truce between Israel and Hamas, which have been locked in a war since October 2023.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the deal offered “a moment of profound relief” and urged all parties to uphold their commitments.

“This 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,” he said in a statement.

Global Affairs Canada echoed the call, welcoming the agreement and stressing the need for unimpeded humanitarian access.

“Canada will support all efforts to turn this positive step into lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians,” it said on social media.

Trump, who announced the deal via his Truth Social platform, said it marked a “GREAT Day” for the region and praised the roles of mediators from Qatar, Egypt and Türkiye. “All Parties will be treated fairly!” he wrote.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it “a big day for Israel,” confirming he would convene his cabinet on Thursday to approve the agreement.

“With God’s help, together we will continue to achieve all our goals and expand peace with our neighbours,” he said.

Hamas also confirmed its support, while urging Trump and other guarantor states to ensure Israel abides by its obligations. “We affirm that the sacrifices of our people will not be in vain,” the group said.

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the deal and urged “immediate and unimpeded entry” of humanitarian aid into Gaza. “A permanent ceasefire must be secured,” he said.

“The suffering must end,” Guterres said.

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters called the ceasefire “an essential first step” and pressed both sides to build on the deal toward a “complete resolution.”

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