Global Leaders Celebrate Breakthrough Gaza Ceasefire Agreement Based on Trump’s Peace Plan
World leaders and peace advocates have hailed a breakthrough in the Middle East as Israel and Hamas reached a historic ceasefire agreement — the first phase of a broader peace initiative inspired by U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan to end the devastating Gaza war.
Announced late Wednesday, the deal marks a major turning point in efforts to bring stability to the region after nearly two years of bloodshed and humanitarian crisis.
A New Beginning for Gaza and Israel
President Trump announced the agreement on his Truth Social platform, describing it as “a historic milestone” for both Israelis and Palestinians.
“This means that all hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw its troops to an agreed-upon line,” Trump wrote. “All parties will be treated fairly — this is a great day for the Arab and Muslim world, Israel, and the United States.”
Under the first phase of the ceasefire deal, Hamas and allied Palestinian factions will release 20 Israeli hostages believed to be alive, along with the bodies of 28 others. In exchange, Israel will free over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, including hundreds detained since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023.
Speaking later on Fox News, Trump said he expected the first group of Israeli captives to be released by Monday, calling it a “powerful step toward rebuilding trust and peace.”
Talks in Egypt Yield Results
The agreement followed three intense days of indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, with senior mediators from Qatar, Turkey, Egypt, and the United States playing key roles in brokering the deal.
While the ceasefire is not yet in effect, the announcement has sparked widespread optimism and praise from around the world, signaling potential momentum toward lasting peace.
Trump: “A Great Day for Peace”
President Trump expressed pride in the achievement, emphasizing cooperation among nations to end the cycle of violence.
“I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first phase of our peace plan,” he said, thanking U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio for helping finalize the agreement. “We thank our partners in Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey for making this unprecedented event possible. Blessed are the peacemakers!”
Trump added that the world would soon witness “a different Gaza — rebuilt, prosperous, and at peace,” hinting that he might travel to Egypt this weekend to mark the agreement in person.
Netanyahu: “A Big Day for Israel”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the news, calling it “a big day for Israel and for our people.”
He pledged to bring home all hostages, thanking Israeli soldiers for their courage and President Trump for his mediation efforts.
“With God’s help, we will continue working toward peace with our neighbors,” Netanyahu said, reaffirming Israel’s commitment to regional stability.
Hamas: “We Honor the Sacrifices of Our People”
In a statement, Hamas expressed gratitude to mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, as well as to President Trump for his role in reaching the deal.
The group urged international stakeholders to ensure Israel fully adheres to its obligations under the agreement.
“We salute our people in Gaza, Jerusalem, and across our homeland who have shown courage and sacrifice in resisting occupation,” Hamas said. “Their steadfastness has prevented displacement and preserved our national rights. These sacrifices will not be in vain.”
United Nations Welcomes the Breakthrough
UN Secretary-General António Guterres praised the ceasefire announcement, calling it “a desperately needed breakthrough.”
“I urge all parties to fully honor the terms of the agreement. All hostages must be released in dignity, and a permanent ceasefire must follow,” Guterres said.
He also called for the immediate and unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, highlighting that “the suffering must end.”
The UN pledged to support the implementation of the agreement, coordinate reconstruction efforts, and promote a two-state solution that guarantees peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.
Qatar’s Key Role in Mediation
Qatar, which has been a central mediator since the start of the Gaza war, confirmed that negotiators had reached consensus on the provisions and implementation of the first phase.
In a statement, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the deal would lead to “the end of the war, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and the entry of vital humanitarian aid into Gaza.”
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari added that more details would be announced soon, noting that “this agreement demonstrates the power of diplomacy in achieving peace.”
Reactions from Global Leaders
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the deal “an important first step,” urging both sides to implement it swiftly and ensure the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid.
“This agreement must now be implemented in full without delay,” Starmer said, emphasizing that Gaza’s civilians must receive life-saving assistance.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also welcomed the agreement, calling it “a step toward lasting peace in the Middle East.”
“We hope the release of hostages and increased humanitarian support will bring much-needed relief to the people of Gaza,” Modi wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters echoed similar sentiments, saying, “This is an essential first step toward achieving lasting peace. Hamas must release all hostages, and Israel must adhere to its withdrawal commitments.”
A Fragile but Hopeful Path Forward
While optimism runs high, experts caution that the road ahead remains uncertain. Differences persist between Israel and Hamas over interpretations of later stages of Trump’s broader peace plan, which outlines political reforms in Gaza, border demilitarization, and long-term reconstruction funding.
Still, with international support growing and diplomacy yielding tangible results, the ceasefire announcement represents a rare moment of unity in a conflict marked by decades of division and loss.
As President Trump stated, “The world will soon see peace in the Middle East — a peace built not just on words, but on the courage of those willing to make it happen.”