Canada, UK, and global leaders welcome Gaza ceasefire and hostage-release deal
World leaders praise diplomatic efforts by Qatar, Egypt, Türkiye, and the US as first phase of peace plan begins
HAMILTON / LONDON / ISLAMABAD (MNTV) – World leaders have welcomed the newly announced ceasefire and hostage-release agreement between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, marking the first phase of a US-proposed plan to end the devastating war in Gaza.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney applauded the deal, expressing gratitude to Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye for their “tireless work” in supporting the negotiations.
“Congratulations to President Trump for his essential leadership,” Carney said on X, adding that after years of suffering, “peace finally feels attainable.”
He urged all parties to swiftly implement the agreement and work towards “a just and lasting peace.”
The ceasefire plan, announced by US President Donald Trump, includes a prisoner exchange, the disarmament of Hamas, and Gaza’s reconstruction.
The proposal, unveiled on Sept. 29, aims to bring an end to over two years of relentless violence that has killed nearly 67,200 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and left Gaza uninhabitable.
In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the agreement brought “profound relief” to millions worldwide, especially to the hostages, their families, and Gaza’s civilians who “have endured unimaginable suffering.”
Starmer thanked the US, Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye for their diplomatic efforts and called for the “immediate lifting of all restrictions on life-saving humanitarian aid to Gaza.”
Australia, India, Pakistan, and New Zealand also welcomed the announcement.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described it as “a much-needed step towards peace” and reaffirmed Canberra’s support for a two-state solution.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed hope that the agreement would bring “respite” to Gaza’s people and open the path to lasting peace.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called the deal a “historic opportunity” to end what he described as the “genocide in Gaza.”
He praised the roles of Trump, Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye, and condemned recent Israeli provocations at Masjid al-Aqsa, urging accountability for “illegal settlers and occupiers.”
New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters called the agreement an “essential first step toward lasting peace,” emphasizing that “Hamas must release all hostages and Israel must withdraw its troops to the agreed line.”
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also welcomed the breakthrough, commending the mediation by the US, Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye.
“The fighting must stop once and for all,” Guterres said. “Immediate and unimpeded entry of humanitarian supplies into Gaza must be ensured. The suffering must end.”
He added that the UN stands ready to assist in implementing the agreement and advancing recovery efforts, calling this a “momentous opportunity” to move toward a two-state solution that guarantees peace and security for both Palestinians and Israelis.
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