The global community welcomed the historic ceasefire agreement on Wednesday night, bringing an end to the 15-month-long brutal war in Gaza that claimed the lives of over 47,000 Palestinians.
The ceasefire deal, brokered by the US, Qatar, and Egypt, is a three-step process that outlines a six-week initial ceasefire phase. This includes the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the release of hostages taken by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani announced that the ceasefire would take effect on Sunday, and negotiations are ongoing with Israel and Hamas to implement the deal.
US President Joe Biden confirmed the deal, highlighting its potential to stop the fighting, allow humanitarian aid to reach Palestinians, and reunite families with their loved ones after 15 months of captivity. Biden also detailed the first phase of the agreement, which involves a full ceasefire, withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the release of hostages.
Other world leaders, including President-elect Donald Trump, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, expressed their support for the ceasefire and its potential to bring stability to the region. European leaders also praised the deal, with the EU’s Ursula von der Leyen calling it a step towards lasting stability.
Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya, speaking after the ceasefire announcement, stated that Israel had failed to achieve its goals in Gaza, and vowed that Hamas would not forgive or forget.
