World reacts to Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal after 15 months of fighting - as hostages to be 'released shortly'
15 January 2025, 19:06 | Updated: 15 January 2025, 21:15
The world has reacted to the Israel and Hamas ceasefire deal after 15 months of fighting.
Listen to this article
Loading audio...
Officials confirmed on Wednesday that a deal had been agreed between Israel and Hamas.
It marks a major breakthrough after a week of negotiations in Qatari capital Doha.
Celebrations have since broken out in both southern Gaza and Israel, with locals in Tel Aviv pictured dropping their placards and embracing one another as flares filled the skies with smoke.
Read more: Hamas 'accepts' Gaza ceasefire deal with Israel 'nailing down final details'
Palestinian analyst says rebuilding Gaza will be 'humongous' task
President-elect Donald Trump confirmed Israeli hostages would be "released shortly" in a post on Truth Social.
"WE HAVE A DEAL FOR THE HOSTAGES IN THE MIDDLE EAST," he said. "THEY WILL BE RELEASED SHORTLY. THANK YOU!"
He later added that the "epic" agreement could not have happened without his "Historic Victory in November".
"It signalled to the entire World that my Administration would seek Peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans, and our Allies," he said.
"I am thrilled American and Israeli hostages will be returning home to be reunited with their families and loved ones."
Mr Trump went on to say: "We have achieved so much without even being in the White House.
"Just imagine all of the wonderful things that will happen when I return to the White House, and my Administration is fully confirmed, so they can secure more Victories for the United States!"
British PM Keir Starmer said: "After months of devastating bloodshed and countless lives lost, this is the long-overdue news that the Israeli and Palestinian people have desperately been waiting for.
"They have borne the brunt of this conflict – triggered by the brutal terrorists of Hamas, who committed the deadliest massacre of Jewish people since the Holocaust on October 7th, 2023.
"The hostages, who were brutally ripped from their homes on that day and held captive in unimaginable conditions ever since, can now finally return to their families.
"But we should also use this moment to pay tribute to those who won’t make it home – including the British people who were murdered by Hamas. We will continue to mourn and remember them.
"For the innocent Palestinians whose homes turned into a warzone overnight and the many who have lost their lives, this ceasefire must allow for a huge surge in humanitarian aid, which is so desperately needed to end the suffering in Gaza.
"And then our attention must turn to how we secure a permanently better future for the Israeli and Palestinian people – grounded in a two-state solution that will guarantee security and stability for Israel, alongside a sovereign and viable Palestine state.
"The UK and its allies will continue to be at the forefront of these crucial efforts to break the cycle of violence and secure long-term peace in the Middle East."
Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan said the deal was an important step for regional stability.
He said efforts for a two-state solution were ongoing.
Belgium's Prime Minister, Alexander De Croo, said: "After too many months of conflict, we feel tremendous relief for the hostages, for their families and for the people of Gaza.
"Let’s hope this ceasefire will put an end to the fighting and mark the beginning of a sustained peace. Belgium stands ready to help."
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said: "I warmly welcome the ceasefire and hostage release agreement in Gaza. Hostages will be reunited with their loved ones and humanitarian aid can reach civilians in Gaza.
"This brings hope to an entire region, where people have endured immense suffering for far too long.
"Both parties must fully implement this agreement, as a stepping stone toward lasting stability in the region and a diplomatic resolution of the conflict.".
Dubravka Suica, European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, said: "I welcome the ceasefire agreement and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, which will bring much-needed relief to those affected by the devastating conflict.
"The EU remains committed to supporting all efforts towards a long-lasting peace and recovery."
Alex Burghart believes nobody has an answer to peace between Israel and Hamas
Norwegian PM Jonas Gahr Støre said: "The Palestinian institutions must be strengthened and prepared to assume full control and responsibility, including in Gaza. Both Israel and Palestine must receive credible security guarantees, and the solution must be anchored regionally."
Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sánchez said on X: "I welcome with hope the ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas. It must bring an end to the conflict, allow the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza to be addressed and the release of all hostages.
"This agreement is crucial to achieving regional stability. It represents an indispensable step on the road to a two-state solution and a just peace that respects international law."
Italian PM Giorgia Meloni said in a statement: "The ceasefire provides an important opportunity to substantially increase humanitarian assistance to the civilian population of Gaza.
"Italy is ready to play its part, together with its European and international partners, for the stabilisation and reconstruction of Gaza and to permanently consolidate the cessation of hostilities, also with a view to relaunching a political process towards a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, based on the two-state solution, with Israel and a State of Palestine living side by side in peace and security, within mutually recognised borders."
