Praise for Donald Trump from around the world after agreement in the Gaza war

After the breakthrough in indirect negotiations between Israel and the Islamist Hamas over a settlement to the Gaza war, heads of state and government from all over the world are reacting with a sigh of relief.

Trump announced a breakthrough in indirect talks in Egypt. Accordingly, all hostages held in the Gaza Strip should be released soon. In addition, Israel will withdraw its troops to an agreed line in the first phase of the US peace plan. The Islamist Hamas confirmed the agreement.

The Israeli head of state Isaac Herzog thanked US President Donald Trump for his mediation activities. “There is no doubt that he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize for this,” wrote Herzog on Platform X. “This agreement offers an opportunity for reconciliation and healing and opens up new perspectives of hope for our region.”

Chancellor Friedrich Merz sees this week’s agreement on a ceasefire and the release of hostages in the Gaza Strip as hopeful signs of a solution. “The developments in Israel encourage us,” he said. There is obviously a great chance of reaching an agreement with Hamas in the next few hours. However, he warns that the agreement has not yet really been concluded and implemented. “In this respect, we are monitoring it very closely and remain confident that a solution will be reached this week.”

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the agreement proposed by Trump in the short message service. “I commend the diplomatic efforts of the United States, Qatar, Egypt and Turkey that led to this breakthrough. I am equally encouraged by the support of the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority. All parties are now called upon to fully comply with the terms of the agreement.” A lasting ceasefire must be established and the suffering must end. “The EU will continue to support the rapid and safe delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. And when the time comes, we will be ready to help with reconstruction.”

“It is the chance to forge a credible political path to lasting peace and security. A path that is firmly anchored in the two-state solution,” added. von der Leyen added.

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the agreement on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. This must mark the end of the war and the beginning of a political solution based on the two-state solution, writes Macron in an article on the online platform X. France will contribute to this and will discuss it with international partners in Paris this afternoon.

The Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also welcomed the agreement. In a statement, Albanese expressly thanked US President Donald Trump for his diplomatic efforts and added: “We recognize the important role of Egypt, Qatar and Turkey in the implementation of this agreement.” The countries were involved as negotiators.

At the same time, Albanese called on all parties to respect the terms of the plan. “After more than two years of conflict, the captivity of hostages and a devastating loss of civilian life, this is a much-needed step towards peace,” said the head of government.

Australia strongly supports the plan’s commitment to deny Hamas any role in the future administration of the Gaza Strip. “Together with our partners, Australia will continue to do everything we can to contribute to a just and lasting two-state solution,” Albanese wrote. Australia formally recognized a state of Palestine just a few weeks ago.

Also the government in New Zealand spoke of a “positive first step”. Foreign Minister Winston Peters said: “We have long advocated for the release of all hostages and for a ceasefire so that the immense suffering can finally end.” At the same time, Peters called on Israel and Hamas to continue working toward a complete peace solution.

UN Secretary General António Guterres welcomed the agreement between Israel and Hamas. He called on all parties in a statement to fully comply with the agreement. “All hostages must be released in a dignified manner,” Guterres continued. “A permanent ceasefire must be ensured. The fighting must end once and for all,” he continued. In addition, the immediate, unhindered entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip must be guaranteed.

The one currently residing in India British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said it was a “moment of profound relief that will be felt around the world.” “But above all for the hostages, their families and the civilian population in Gaza, who have all endured unimaginable suffering over the last two years.”

“I am grateful for the tireless diplomatic efforts of Egypt, Qatar, Turkey and the United States, supported by our regional partners, to achieve this critical first step,” . The agreement must now be implemented immediately and fully, accompanied by the immediate lifting of all restrictions on life-saving humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip. He also called on all parties to create a sustainable path to long-term peace.

“The UK will support these crucial immediate steps and the next phase of talks to ensure the full implementation of the peace plan.”

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on X that he was very pleased that negotiations between Hamas and Israel in Egypt had led to a ceasefire. Turkey contributed to the talks. Ankara will closely monitor the strict implementation of the agreement and continue to contribute to the process. Turkey will not rest until a sovereign Palestinian state is established.

The war in the Gaza Strip was triggered by the attack on Israel by Hamas fighters and allied Islamists on October 7, 2023. According to Israeli information, more than 1,200 people were killed. 251 people were abducted to the Gaza Strip.

Since then, Israel has taken massive military action in the Gaza Strip. According to the Hamas-controlled Ministry of Health, which cannot be independently verified, more than 67,100 people were killed. The humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territory is catastrophic.

Note: This article has been updated to include further reactions.