World Reacts to Gaza Ceasefire & Hostage Deal

📷REUTERS

Riyadh, October 9, 2025 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Leaders and officials worldwide welcomed news that Israel and Hamas approved the first phase of a U.S.-proposed Gaza ceasefire and hostage-release plan, offering statements of support and calling for swift implementation and a path to a two-state solution.

U.S. President Donald Trump

“ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line… All Parties will be treated fairly… We thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey… BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

“A big day for Israel… I thank President Trump and his team… With God’s help, we will continue to achieve all our goals and expand peace with our neighbors.”

Hamas (Islamic Resistance Movement)

“We call on President Trump, the guarantor states, and all Arab, Islamic, and international parties to compel the occupation government to fully implement its obligations… We will remain true to our pledge until freedom, independence, and self-determination are achieved.”

UN Secretary-General António Guterres

“I urge all stakeholders to seize this momentous opportunity… towards ending the occupation, recognizing the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people, and achieving a two-state solution.”

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan

“I express my sincere gratitude to U.S. President Trump, who demonstrated the necessary political will to encourage the Israeli government toward the ceasefire.”

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer

“A moment of profound relief… particularly for the hostages, their families, and for the civilian population of Gaza.”

French President Emmanuel Macron

“This agreement must mark the end of the war and the beginning of a political solution based on the two-state solution… France stands ready to contribute.”

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz

“We are encouraged… There is a great chance of reaching an agreement with Hamas in the next few hours.”

Australia (PM Anthony Albanese & FM Penny Wong)

“A much-needed step towards peace… We urge all parties to respect the terms of the plan.”

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters

“An essential first step towards achieving lasting peace.”

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola

“A pivotal moment for peace and renewal… opening a path to end the intergenerational cycle of violence.”

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

“WHO stands ready to scale up its work… The best medicine is peace.”

Context: The announcement came two years after Hamas’s Oct. 7, 2023 attack that killed about 1,200 people in Israel and saw 251 taken hostage. Gaza authorities report over 67,000 deaths since Israel’s response. Mediators, including Egypt, Qatar and Turkey, are working on implementation.