World leaders react to historic ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas – Times of India

The United States and Qatar have confirmed a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, halting the brutal 15-month conflict in Gaza and paving the way for the release of numerous hostages. The ceasefire deal will be implemented in three phases, according to US President Joe Biden.The first phase, lasting six weeks, includes a full ceasefire, withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza’s populated areas, and the release of hostages, including Americans. In return, Israel will release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, and Palestinians can return to their neighborhoods. Phase 2 focuses on negotiating a permanent end to the war, with the release of remaining hostages and complete Israeli withdrawal, making the ceasefire permanent. Phase 3 will see the return of deceased hostages’ remains and the initiation of Gaza’s reconstruction.The ceasefire has garnered reactions from various world leaders, including Joe Biden, Donald Trump, and Barack Obama.US President Joe BidenUS President Joe Biden announced the ceasefire during a press briefing, saying, “It’s a very good afternoon because at long last, I can announce a ceasefire and a hostage deal has been reached between Israel and Hamas. More than 15 months of terror for the hostages, their families, and the Israeli people and more than 15 months of suffering by the innocent people of Gaza. Fighting in Gaza will stop and soon the hostages will return home to their families.”Biden described the negotiations as one of the toughest he has experienced, attributing the deal’s success to the pressure Israel built on Hamas with US support. “Those who have followed the negotiations can attest that the road to this deal has not been easy. I have worked in foreign policy for decades. This is one of the toughest negotiations that I have ever experienced. I have reached this point because of the pressure that Israel built on Hamas, backed by the US. The US also organized a coalition of 20 countries to stand up to attacks by the Houthis, including their missile attacks in Israel. At the G20 in Delhi in September 2023, I rallied key countries behind a vision of an economic charter from India across the Middle East to Europe that vision can now become a reality.”

US President-elect Donald TrumpUS President-elect Donald Trump expressed his delight at the ceasefire news on his Truth Social platform, saying, “This EPIC ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November, as it signaled to the entire World that my Administration would seek Peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans, and our Allies. I am thrilled American and Israeli hostages will be returning home to be reunited with their families and loved ones.”Trump added that he would leverage the Gaza ceasefire deal to further expand the Abraham Accords, US-sponsored agreements made during his first term that normalized Israel’s relations with multiple Arab nations. “We will continue promoting PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH throughout the region, as we build upon the momentum of this ceasefire to further expand the Historic Abraham Accords. This is only the beginning of great things to come for America, and indeed, the World!”The president-elect also added that his national security team, through the efforts of special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, would continue to work closely with Israel and its allies to ensure Gaza would never again become a ‘terrorist safe haven.'”With this deal in place, my National Security team, through the efforts of Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, will continue to work closely with Israel and our Allies to make sure Gaza NEVER again becomes a terrorist safe haven.”Former US President Barack ObamaFormer US President Barack Obama called the ceasefire deal “good news” for the families of the hostages taken on October 7, the Palestinian civilians who have suffered for over a year, and everyone who has prayed for an end to this conflict. “The ceasefire and hostage release deal announced between Israel and Hamas is good news – for the families of the hostages taken on October 7th, for the Palestinian civilians who have suffered for more than a year, and for everyone who has prayed for an end to this awful chapter.”Obama acknowledged that no deal can ease the pain of those who have lost loved ones or resolve the long-standing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. “That work will be much harder, and take much longer. But it will put a stop to the bloodshed, allow people to return to their homes, and get much-needed aid to more than a million desperate, hungry people,” he said.The former president expressed his support for the deal, saying, “That’s something we should all support.” He also expressed gratitude to Biden, US state of secretary Antony IsraelBlinken, and all the leaders and diplomatic teams from around the world who worked hard to achieve this agreement.