A number of world leaders have expressed their satisfaction following the announcement of a peace agreement between Israel and Hamas, reached at the Sharm El-Sheikh resort in Egypt. The move has been described as “historic” and is seen as a first step toward ending more than two years of devastating war in the Gaza Strip. The conflict has claimed the lives of more than 67,000 people, most of them civilians, including women and children. It has also caused widespread destruction to infrastructure and led to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.

The agreement was reached at the conclusion of the third day of indirect negotiations hosted in Sharm El-Sheikh. It represents the first stage of the peace plan announced by U.S. President Donald Trump.

The agreement stipulates the immediate release of all 48 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, in exchange for the release of a number of Palestinian prisoners by Israel, as well as the withdrawal of Israeli forces to agreed-upon lines. This is to prepare for a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire.

In Washington, President Trump announced the agreement through a post on his platform, Truth Social, describing it as a "major step toward lasting peace in the Middle East." He thanked Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey for their effective role in achieving this diplomatic breakthrough.

In Brussels, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the agreement in a post on X, stating that all parties must fully comply with the terms of the agreement, ensure the safe release of all hostages, and commit to a permanent ceasefire. She added, “The time has come to end the suffering. The European Union will continue to support the rapid and secure delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and we will be ready to assist in reconstruction when the time is right.” Von der Leyen also thanked President Trump and the three mediating countries for their efforts.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres praised the agreement and urged all parties to fully adhere to its terms. He said, “All hostages must be released with dignity, and a permanent ceasefire must be secured. The fighting must come to a complete end, and humanitarian and essential commercial goods must be allowed into Gaza without obstruction. The suffering must stop.”

Guterres stressed that “the scale of the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is indescribable,” noting that the war has left more than 67,000 people dead and tens of thousands injured, in addition to millions of displaced individuals living in dire conditions due to the collapse of essential services. He pledged that the United Nations would support the implementation of the agreement and intensify humanitarian aid efforts in the Gaza Strip.

In Rome, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the agreement as “exceptional news,” and commended President Trump’s “tireless efforts” to end the conflict in Gaza.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez welcomed the agreement but emphasized that “the real work begins now to ensure lasting peace.” He called for “honest dialogue, support for the civilian population, and a forward-looking approach to ensure such tragedies do not recur.”

In Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed “great hope” for the Palestinians, the hostages, and their families. He said, “This agreement must mark the end of the war and the beginning of a lasting political solution. France is ready to contribute to this path and will discuss it with our international partners.”

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the news as “a moment of deep relief that will be felt by people around the world.” He thanked Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey for their continued diplomatic efforts and called on all parties to fully fulfill their commitments. He confirmed that the United Kingdom “will remain engaged in supporting the immediate steps needed to implement Trump’s plan.”

In Canada, Prime Minister Mark Carney congratulated the U.S. President on his “decisive leadership” and praised the role of the mediating countries. In a post on X, he said, “After years of intense suffering, peace is finally within reach.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also welcomed the agreement, calling on all parties to adhere to and fully implement the plan. He stated that “Gaza’s path toward recovery and peace will be long, and Australia will contribute to efforts aimed at reconstruction and stability.”

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim welcomed the progress made in the Sharm El-Sheikh talks, affirming his country’s full solidarity with the Palestinian people in their “pursuit of justice, dignity, and the building of an independent state.” He called on all parties to work toward “a comprehensive and lasting peace.”

United Nations estimates indicate that rebuilding the Gaza Strip will require many years and hundreds of billions of dollars, given the destruction of more than 70% of homes and economic facilities, and the near-total collapse of essential infrastructure such as electricity, water, and sewage systems.

Observers believe this agreement marks a shift in international sentiment and reflects a strong desire among populations to end the cycle of violence and initiate a genuine peace process in the Middle East. The international community’s continuous responses highlight that this agreement represents a historic moment that may open the door to a comprehensive political settlement, one that restores hope to both Palestinians and Israelis and brings an end to one of the deadliest conflicts of the 21st century.

In several countries, symbolic celebrations were observed, such as the illumination of prominent landmarks in the colors of the Palestinian flag. Humanitarian and religious organizations around the world also welcomed what they described as a “last chance to save lives and restore hope to the region.”

Meanwhile, international relief organizations called for the agreement to be translated into immediate actions, including a permanent ceasefire, lifting the blockade, and facilitating the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. They emphasized that “global relief will not be complete without justice for civilians and assurances that this tragedy will not be repeated.”