GAZA — World leaders on Thursday welcomed the announcement by US President Donald Trump that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a US-brokered peace deal, marking a major breakthrough in the two-year war in Gaza.

The agreement, announced Wednesday, calls for Hamas to release all 20 living hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, while the Israeli army begins a withdrawal from most of Gaza.

Trump described the development as “a great day” and said it would mark the start of a “strong, durable, and everlasting peace.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed it as “a great day for Israel,” promising to bring all hostages home.

Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose country helped mediate the deal, thanked Trump for “demonstrating the necessary political will” and praised Qatar and Egypt for their roles.

“We will closely monitor the full implementation of the agreement,” he said, adding that sending humanitarian aid and rebuilding Gaza are top priorities.

France President Emmanuel Macron called the deal “a great hope for the hostages and their families, for the Palestinians in Gaza, and for the entire region.”

He commended Trump and the mediators, saying the agreement “must mark the end of the war and the beginning of a political solution based on the two-state solution.”

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the deal, praising the “tireless diplomatic efforts” of the US and regional partners.

Speaking from India, he said it was “a moment of profound relief” for the hostages and Gaza’s civilians and urged an immediate lifting of restrictions on aid.

Italy Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the agreement “extraordinary news” and said it represents “a unique opportunity to end this conflict.”

She urged all sides to swiftly implement the plan and pledged Italy’s support for Gaza’s stabilization and reconstruction.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the organization will “support the full implementation” of the agreement and help scale up humanitarian relief and reconstruction efforts.

He called on all parties to seize “this momentous opportunity” to advance a two-state solution.

Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was relieved that hostages would soon reunite with their families, calling the deal a step toward “a just and lasting peace.”

He praised Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye for their mediation efforts.

Argentina President Javier Milei, a close Trump ally, said he would nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, praising his “extraordinary contribution to international peace.”

Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the deal offers “a semblance of hope after months of unbearable suffering,” urging all sides to seize the opportunity for an enduring peace.

Japan Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi welcomed the agreement as “an important step toward de-escalation and achieving the two-state solution,” praising mediators’ “relentless efforts.” Tokyo, he said, would support Gaza’s humanitarian recovery.

Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the deal “a ray of light,” saying it brings “hope that after eight decades of conflict, we can break this cycle of violence and build something better.”

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said the deal is “a positive first step” and urged Israel and Hamas to honor their commitments, calling it “essential for lasting peace.”

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he hopes the hostages’ release and humanitarian aid will “bring respite to the people of Gaza and pave the way for lasting peace.”

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called the deal “a historic opportunity to end suffering in Gaza” and praised Trump’s “unwavering commitment to world peace,” along with the mediation efforts of Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye. — Agencies