World leaders responded to a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas reached on Wednesday to end Israel’s protracted war in Gaza.
Reactions have varied, with each leader emphasizing different aspects of the deal, from its potential to provide humanitarian relief to its long-term impact on regional stability.
US President Joe Biden:
At the White House, President Joe Biden confirmed a ceasefire and hostage agreement between Israel and Hamas.
He stated, “The fighting in Gaza will stop and soon the hostages will return home to their families.” He also expressed hope for a “credible path” for the Palestinian people to statehood and a future of normalization for Israel in the region, including with Arab neighbors such as Saudi Arabia.
US President-elect Donald Trump:
Trump shared news of the deal on his Truth Social platform, confirming that the hostages would be released soon. He stressed that his National Security team will continue efforts to ensure that Gaza does not become a “safe haven for terrorists.”
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres:
Guterres expressed the UN’s readiness to support the implementation of the ceasefire and the delivery of humanitarian aid, stressing the need for access to Gaza to provide “life-saving humanitarian support” to the Palestinians.
Former US President Barack Hussein Obama:
Barack Obama said the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas is a positive development. He stressed that the agreement stops the “bloodshed” and provides the necessary assistance.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan:
Fidan called the ceasefire an important step for regional stability and reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Prime Minister of Qatar Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani:
Sheikh Mohammed has urged calm in Gaza as a ceasefire agreement prepares to come into effect on January 19, calling for an end to the violence and destruction.
The President of Egypt Abdel Fattah Al Sisi:
President Al-Sisi welcomed the ceasefire, stressing the urgency of the rapid delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The president of the International Committee of the Red Cross Mirjana Spoljaric:
Spoljaric welcomed the agreement while urging that the protection of civilian lives remain a priority and that the ceasefire commitment be kept.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen:
Von der Leyen expressed hope for the ceasefire’s potential to end the suffering in Gaza, stressing the need for full implementation of the agreement as a step towards long-term stability.
UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed:
The UAE stressed the importance of both parties honoring their commitments and ensuring the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid.
The Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani:
The Emir expressed hope that the ceasefire agreement will mark the end of the attack and killings in Gaza and lead to the start of a new phase for the Palestinian cause.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia:
Saudi Arabia welcomed the agreement, thanking the mediating countries and stressing the need for Israel’s complete withdrawal from Gaza and resolution of the core issues of the conflict.
Mohammed Abdulsalam, representative of Yemen’s Houthis:
Abdulsalam hailed Gaza’s resilience and criticized Israel’s occupation, calling it a regional threat.
Government of South Africa:
South Africa welcomed the ceasefire and condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza. He called for a just peace solution that would respect the rights of both Palestinians and Israelis.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:
Albanes called the ceasefire a constructive step towards peace, but also stressed that Hamas should have no role in the future governance of Gaza.
Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the World Food Programme:
McCain stressed that the ceasefire should allow large-scale food deliveries to Gaza, stressing the need for open and secure border crossings.
The Prime Minister of Belgium, Alexander De Croix:
De Croo expressed relief for the hostages and their families, expressing hope that the ceasefire will lead to lasting peace and stability.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock:
Baerbock hoped the ceasefire would provide a real chance to end the conflict and stressed the need for responsible action by all parties.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer:
Starmer stressed the urgency of delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza and called for a permanent solution based on a two-state framework.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre:
Støre emphasized the need to strengthen Palestinian institutions and provide security guarantees for both sides.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez:
Sanchez described the ceasefire as critical to achieving regional stability and a two-state solution.
Pakistan’s response:
A Foreign Office spokesman expressed concern at the huge loss of life and property in Gaza due to Israeli actions, referring to the situation as a “genocidal attack”.
Pakistan reiterated its support for a comprehensive and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue, supporting a sovereign Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders with Jerusalem as its capital.
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