World leaders have welcomed the news that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a Gaza peace plan.

The deal paves the way for the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and the entry of aid into Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the agreement “a great day for Israel” and said his government would convene on Thursday to approve it.

Hamas said the negotiations were “responsible and serious” and called on the US and other mediators to ensure that Israel implements the deal “without disavowal or delay”.

He “expressed hope that these efforts would be a prelude to reaching a permanent political solution… leading to an end to the Israeli occupation of the State of Palestine and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state”.

UN Secretary General António Guterres described the agreement as a “momentous opportunity”, adding that the UN will support the “full implementation” of the deal, increase its delivery of humanitarian aid and advance its reconstruction efforts in Gaza.

Guterres urged all parties to obey the terms of the deal, including releasing Israeli hostages, abiding by a permanent ceasefire, and immediately allowing humanitarian supplies into Gaza.

“The suffering must end,” he said.

Tom Fletcher, UN under-secretary general of humanitarian affairs, wrote on X: “Great news. Let’s get the hostages out and surge aid in – fast.”

In a Truth Social post announcing the agreement, US President Donald Trump said it was a “GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America”.

He added: “We thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, who worked with us to make this Historic and Unprecedented Event happen.”

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the deal was a moment of “profound relief that will be felt around the world”.

He called on all sides “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”.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: “After more than two years of conflict, hostages held and a devastating loss of civilian life, this is a much needed step towards peace,” and “We urge all parties to respect the terms of the plan.”

US House Leader Chuck Schumer said the agreement brings a “huge sigh of relief to the hostage families, to all of Israel, and to Palestinians who have suffered for so long in this horrific humanitarian catastrophe”.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the release of the hostages was a “blessing” and thanked US and Israeli leaders.

“I warmly embrace the families of the hostages for the anticipated return of their loved ones, including IDF soldiers and fallen heroes, home soon.”

Source: www.bbc.com