After three days of intensive talks in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh, Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement on the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire deal. With an official signing ceremony expected later Thursday, the accord promises an immediate halt to hostilities and the release of hostages held over two years of conflict.
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi celebrated the breakthrough on social media: “The world is witnessing a historic moment that embodies the triumph of the will for peace over the logic of war.” His words underscore the high stakes for civilians on both sides who have endured unimaginable suffering.
In Ankara, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that Türkiye will join a mission to monitor the ceasefire on the ground and support Gaza’s reconstruction. A senior Turkish official added that Türkiye will also collaborate with Israel, the United States, Qatar and Egypt in a joint task force to locate hostages whose whereabouts remain unknown.
The United Arab Emirates Foreign Ministry welcomed the first-phase framework and urged all parties to honor its terms. Meanwhile, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres called for a permanent ceasefire: “I urge all stakeholders to seize this momentous opportunity to establish a credible political path forward… and achieve a two-state solution that enables Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security.”
European leaders echoed the sentiment. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described it as “a moment of profound relief” for hostages, families and Gaza’s civilian population. French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that this must mark “the end of the war and the beginning of a political solution based on the two-state solution.” He plans to discuss next steps with international partners in Paris.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stressed the need for peacekeeping troops, a legal framework and swift humanitarian aid: “Humanitarian and medical aid must now reach Gaza quickly; the people need prospects for reconstruction.”
As the world watches, the success of this first-phase deal will hinge on transparent monitoring, prisoner releases and an inclusive roadmap for lasting peace. The international community stands ready to support Gaza’s recovery—if all parties remain committed to dialogue over conflict.
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Leaders react to agreement on first phase of Gaza's ceasefire deal
cgtn.com
