World leaders have widely welcomed the Israel-Hamas ceasefire and hostage release agreement announced on January 15, 2025. The deal, which halts the ongoing fighting in Gaza, provides vital humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians and reunites hostages with their families after more than 15 months of captivity.

At the White House, President Biden hailed the agreement, recalling that the plan’s framework was outlined by him on May 31, 2024, and later unanimously endorsed by the United Nations Security Council.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres commended the mediators—Egypt, Qatar, and the United States—for their tireless efforts. “Their unwavering commitment to finding a diplomatic solution has been critical in achieving this breakthrough. I call on all relevant parties to uphold their commitments and ensure that this deal is fully implemented,” he stated. 

Guterres also urged immediate and unhindered humanitarian relief for civilians in need and emphasized the opportunity to establish a sustainable political path for the region.

President-elect Donald Trump pledged continued collaboration with Israel and U.S. allies to prevent Gaza from becoming a terrorist haven again, stating his administration’s commitment to long-term security.

Former President Barack Obama called the deal “good news,” for the families of hostages and for Palestinian civilians. However, he warned that lasting peace would require far greater effort. “This work will be much harder and take much longer,” Obama noted, stressing the need to halt bloodshed and deliver critical aid to over a million desperate people.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the agreement as “long-overdue news,” and honored the memory of those who lost their lives, including British citizens killed by Hamas. 

“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,” he added. “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.” 

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi highlighted Egypt’s key role along with Qatar and the United States in brokering the agreement. He went on to state that this agreement underscores the urgency of accelerating humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza’s people to address the catastrophic crisis. Egypt remains committed to supporting a just peace and defending the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, El-Sisi said.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz welcomed the deal, emphasizing the need for full implementation. “The fact that an agreement on a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza, including Germans, seems to have been reached is good news,” he stated.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the agreement a “constructive step,” toward peace, highlighting the opportunity for Palestinians to rebuild and pursue self-determination. He mentioned that the ceasefire initiative marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Israeli and Palestinian people. 

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed hope for a two-state solution and urged both parties to act immediately. 

“The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza must end. There is more work ahead, but today there is hope — for a two-state solution, where Israelis and Palestinians can live securely within internationally recognized borders, and with peace, dignity, and security,” he expressed. 

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the deal a “desperately needed,” beacon of hope while acknowledging the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza. 

She announced Europe’s commitment of €120 million in aid for 2025, alongside additional in-kind contributions. “Both parties must fully implement this agreement, as a stepping stone toward lasting stability in the region and a diplomatic resolution of the conflict,” she urged.

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