 "A man waves Palestinian flags as Palestinians react to news on a ceasefire deal with Israel, in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip. File Image/Reuters")
The long-awaited ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect on Sunday (January 17), following a nearly three-hour delay.
The truce marked a pause in weeks of intense fighting as well as the release of three Israeli hostages, including British-Israeli citizen Emily Damari.
Hamas announced its commitment to the ceasefire, contingent on Israel’s adherence.
The global community responded to these developments with cautious optimism and calls for further action. Here’s a look at their reactions:
Joe Biden: Region ‘Fundamentally transformed’
Outgoing US President Joe Biden described the truce as a pivotal moment for the region.
“After so much pain, death and loss of life, today the guns in Gaza have gone silent,” he said during a visit to South Carolina. Reflecting on his presidency’s role in supporting Israel, Biden added, “Now the region has been fundamentally transformed.”
Biden acknowledged criticism of his policies but defended his decisions as vital to securing the ceasefire, asserting that alternative approaches risked a broader conflict.
Ursula von der Leyen calls for continued hostage releases
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the release of the hostages and urged for further action.
“Romi Gonen, Emily Damari & Doron Steinbrecher are free. Others must follow,” she wrote on X. “Seeing the hostages’ reunion with their families fills our hearts with hope. Let it be the start of a new chapter for Israel and the Palestinian people. The ceasefire must hold. Europe will support it.”
Keir Starmer: Hostage release ‘Wonderful and long-overdue’
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer celebrated the release of the hostages, particularly Emily Damari, calling it “wonderful and long-overdue news after months of agony.”
Starmer stressed the importance of implementing the truce fully, saying, “While this ceasefire deal should be welcomed, we must not forget about those who remain in captivity under Hamas.”
Impact Shorts
More ShortsEmmanuel Macron advocates return of Palestinian Authority to Gaza
French President Emmanuel Macron, in a conversation with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, stressed the importance of Palestinian governance in Gaza. Macron stated that Gaza’s future should align with the broader goal of a Palestinian state while preventing future violence against Israelis.
“It is now essential to immediately work to respond to the Gazans’ vital urgent needs, to ensure the delivery of massive humanitarian aid, at the level of the residents’ needs,” the Elysee said in a statement.
With inputs from agencies