‘Momentous opportunity’: World leaders welcome Israel-Hamas deal

“A SIGNIFICANT BREAKTHROUGH”

In Europe, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen and the head of the European Council, Antonio Costa, both praised the diplomatic efforts of the US, Egypt, Qatar and Türkiye and called it an opportunity for lasting peace.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called the deal “a significant breakthrough”.

French President Emmanuel Macron said France stands ready to contribute to the end of the war in Gaza.

“This agreement must mark the end of the war and the beginning of a political solution based on the two-state solution,” he said. 

France will host foreign ministers from Arab and European countries for talks on Thursday on helping the Palestinians once the Gaza conflict between Israel and Hamas ends.

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, one of Europe’s most vocal critics of Israel’s offensive in Gaza, said the civilian population should now be supported and “the atrocities experienced … never repeated”.

Ireland, which has also strongly criticised Israel’s military response, said the deal could “finally end the unconscionable human suffering”.

“It can stop the dreadful bombing, silence the guns, end the famine and genocide, and allow a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza,” deputy prime minister Simon Harris said.

In Asia, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said Beijing hoped for a “permanent and comprehensive” ceasefire in Gaza as soon as possible, adding: “China advocates adhering to the principle that ‘Palestinians should govern Palestine’.”

Singapore’s Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam on Thursday said Trump has to be “commended tremendously” for pushing both Israel and Hamas towards a peace deal.

“The situation today, at least, there is some hope; more hope than there was previously. And you have to say, this would not have been possible without President Trump,” he said.

But Mr Shanmugam also urged caution, even with progress being made towards peace in the region.

“Media reports, headlines are encouraging, but at the same time, the media, many seasoned observers, are urging caution. Because in the Middle East situation – Israel, Palestine – it’s never done until it’s done. But we all hope that this will be done,” he said.