Current sectionNewsWorldWorld leaders thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for his diplomatic efforts, along with Egypt, Qatar and Turkey, and welcomed the cease-fire deal as an 'opportunity to forge a credible political path toward lasting peace and security'Share to FacebookShare to XArticle printing is available to subscribers onlyPrint in a simple, ad-free formatSubscribeComments: Zen reading is available to subscribers onlyAd-free and in a comfortable reading formatSubscribeFrench President Emmanuel Macron waits for the arrival of a guest at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, on Wednesday. Credit: Benoit Tessier/ReutersFrench President Emmanuel Macron waits for the arrival of a guest at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, on Wednesday. Credit: Benoit Tessier/ReutersOctober 09, 2025World leaders on Thursday expressed hope for peace and urged Israel and Hamas to fulfill their commitments after signing a cease-fire deal.U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the "first phase" of his peace plan to pause fighting and release at least some hostages and prisoners, in a major breakthrough in the two-year-old war."This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed-upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace," Trump wrote on social media.Hamas will release all 20 living hostages in the coming days in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, while the Israeli military will begin a withdrawal from the majority of Gaza.U.K.: "I welcome the news that a deal has been reached on the first stage of President Trump's peace plan for Gaza," Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement."This agreement must now be implemented in full, without delay, and accompanied by the immediate lifting of all restrictions on life-saving humanitarian aid to Gaza.""We call on all parties to meet the commitments they have made, to end the war, and to build the foundations for a just and lasting end to the conflict and a sustainable path to a long-term peace," Starmer said."The U.K. will support these crucial immediate steps and the next stage of talks to ensure the full implementation of the peace plan."The families of hostages celebrate in Hostage Square, Thursday morning. Credit: Moti MilrodThe families of hostages celebrate in Hostage Square, Thursday morning. Credit: Moti MilrodHaaretz Podcast'I see you a Nakba, and raise you a Holocaust': Mo Husseini and Julie Cohen on their 'optimistic' Gaza war documentaryHaaretz Podcast'I see you a Nakba, and raise you a Holocaust': Mo Husseini and Julie Cohen on their 'optimistic' Gaza war documentarytotal-- : --time0:00Canada: "I am relieved that the hostages will soon be reunited with their families," Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney posted on social media."After years of intense suffering, peace finally feels attainable," he said. "Canada calls on all parties to swiftly implement all agreed terms and to work towards a just and lasting peace."Carney, like several other leaders, praised Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey for their role in the negotiations.Congratulations to President Trump for his essential leadership and thank you to Qatar, Egypt and Türkiye for their tireless work to support the negotiations.