Leaders react to agreement on first phase of Gaza's ceasefire deal

Israel and Hamas are preparing to implement a Gaza ceasefire agreement, with an official signing ceremony expected later on Thursday in Egypt's Sharm el-Sheikh following three days of intensive negotiations. Multiple leaders and officials commented on the agreement, calling for immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages.

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi confirmed on Thursday that an agreement had been reached to end the war in Gaza after two years of conflict. "The world is witnessing a historic moment that embodies the triumph of the will for peace over the logic of war," he said on social media.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that Türkiye will join a mission to monitor the ceasefire's implementation on the ground and contribute to Gaza's reconstruction. "God willing, we as Türkiye will take part in the mission force that will monitor the agreement's implementation in the field," he said in a speech in Ankara.

A senior Turkish official said Türkiye will also participate in a joint task force with Israel, the United States, Qatar and Egypt to locate the remains of hostages whose whereabouts are unknown. Turkish officials took part in negotiations in Egypt that resulted in a ceasefire and hostage deal earlier on Thursday.

The United Arab Emirates welcomed the agreement on the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire framework and urged all parties to abide by its terms, according to its foreign ministry.

U.N. secretary general Antonio Guterres welcomed the announcement of the agreement while calling for a permanent ceasefire. "I urge all stakeholders to seize this momentous opportunity to establish a credible political path forward towards ending the occupation, recognizing the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people, and achieving a two-state solution that enables Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security," he said.

European countries echoed similar sentiments. "This is a moment of profound relief that will be felt all around the world, but particularly for the hostages, their families, and for the civilian population of Gaza, who have all endured unimaginable suffering over the last two years," British prime minister Keir Starmer said.

French president Emmanuel Macron said, "This agreement must mark the end of the war and the beginning of a political solution based on the two-state
solution...France stands ready to contribute to this goal. We will discuss it this afternoon in Paris with our international partners."

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said peacekeeping troops, a legal framework and a no longer dangerous Hamas are all necessary in the future as part of a plan for the Gaza Strip and will be discussed among international partners in Paris. "Humanitarian and medical aid must now reach Gaza quickly; the people need prospects for reconstruction," he wrote on social media.

(With input from agencies)