Israel and Hamas Sign First Phase of Peace Plan; Global Leaders Welcome Historic Step Toward Gaza Ceasefire

New Delhi, October 9, 2025 Israel and Hamas have signed the first phase of a peace plan brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, marking a significant breakthrough toward ending the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The agreement, which includes a ceasefire and the release of hostages, has drawn global attention and widespread reactions from world leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Prime Minister Modi welcomed the development, describing it as a sign of strong leadership from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and expressing hope that it would bring much-needed relief to civilians in Gaza. “We welcome the agreement on the first phase of President Trump’s peace plan. This reflects the strong leadership of Prime Minister Netanyahu. We hope the release of hostages and enhanced humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza will bring respite and pave the way for lasting peace,” Modi posted on X. Trump formally announced the deal on Wednesday, calling it a “historic step” toward peace in the Middle East. According to his statement, the agreement provides for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces to agreed positions as part of the first phase of a broader plan to end the two-year conflict. He thanked Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey for their mediation efforts and described the moment as the beginning of “a strong, durable, and everlasting peace.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it “a big day for Israel,” acknowledging the role of the Israeli Defense Forces and the U.S. administration in facilitating the deal. Netanyahu said his government would soon convene to formally approve the agreement, emphasizing that the safety of Israeli citizens and the release of hostages had been central to the negotiations. Hamas, in a statement, praised the mediators and commended Trump’s involvement while reiterating that the Palestinian struggle for freedom and independence would continue. The group said it viewed the agreement as a necessary step to alleviate the suffering of Gazans and reaffirmed its commitment to achieving self-determination. Reactions from global leaders reflected cautious optimism. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the deal a “moment of profound relief” for hostages, their families, and civilians in Gaza. He urged all parties to fully implement the agreement and ensure unrestricted access for humanitarian aid, describing it as a vital step toward “a just and lasting end to the conflict.” Canada’s Global Affairs Department echoed similar sentiments, noting that hostages would soon reunite with their families and that Israeli troops would withdraw to agreed lines. It stressed the importance of maintaining humanitarian corridors and pledged Canada’s continued support for peace-building efforts in the region. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the ceasefire and urged all parties to adhere to its terms, emphasizing the immediate need for humanitarian relief. He assured that the UN would assist in Gaza’s recovery and reconstruction while calling for a credible political process leading to a two-state solution. New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters also hailed the agreement, emphasizing that it represented a critical first step toward sustainable peace. He reiterated that Hamas must release all hostages and that Israel should respect the agreed withdrawal conditions to ensure long-term stability. The first phase of this peace plan is seen as a pivotal moment in the Israel–Palestine conflict, offering hope that diplomacy and international cooperation might finally lay the foundation for a lasting resolution in a region long defined by turmoil and human suffering. Israel and Hamas Begin First Phase of Peace Plan Israel and Hamas have signed the first phase of a U.S.-brokered peace plan, marking a crucial step toward ending the Gaza conflict. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the development, praising Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership and expressing hope for lasting peace and humanitarian relief. U.S. President Donald Trump called the deal a historic breakthrough, involving a ceasefire, hostage release, and troop withdrawal. World leaders, including UK PM Keir Starmer and UN Chief Antonio Guterres, hailed the move as a vital first step toward stability and a long-term political solution for the people of Israel and Palestine.