(MENAFN) European leaders on Thursday hailed the initial agreement on a Gaza ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, emphasizing urgent humanitarian relief and the pursuit of a durable political resolution.

Ireland’s Prime Minister Micheal Martin took to X, the US-based social media platform, stating he “welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire agreement and hostage release deal in Gaza” and called on all parties to honor the truce fully. “The war and the killing must stop,” he insisted.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson lauded the accord, specifically acknowledging the roles played by Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye. He stressed, “The agreement must be accompanied by full humanitarian relief to Gaza, lead to a permanent ceasefire and full implementation of the plan, paving the way for a two-state solution. Sweden is ready to contribute to that process.”

Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker described the ceasefire pact as “long-awaited, good news from the Middle East,” urging rapid execution to facilitate hostage releases, end the violence, and boost humanitarian aid to Gaza.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the early stages of the deal “encouraging.” “For the first time in a long while, there is a real prospect of peace in the region. We call on all parties to keep their promises, end the war, and pave the way for lasting peace. Germany will continue to firmly support this process,” he declared.

Estonian Foreign Affairs Minister Margus Tsahkna stressed the critical need to turn the current momentum into meaningful action: “All sides must seize this opportunity, engage seriously with the proposals, and turn momentum into concrete steps that end violence, improve civilian lives, and revive a credible political process.”

Hungarian Foreign Affairs Minister Peter Szijjarto welcomed the ceasefire and expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump for his involvement.

Top European Union figures—Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Council President Antonio Costa, and Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas—also praised the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release agreement as a “major diplomatic breakthrough.” Von der Leyen and Costa highlighted diplomatic efforts by the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye as instrumental in brokering the deal.

Additional backing came from the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, and France, who voiced hopes that the agreement will lead to a sustainable ceasefire and renewed peace initiatives across the Middle East.

The announcement follows US President Donald Trump’s confirmation that Israel and Hamas have approved the first phase of a US-mediated Gaza deal. The comprehensive 20-point plan, unveiled on September 29, calls for the release of all Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, cessation of hostilities, Hamas disarmament, and Gaza’s reconstruction.

Since October 2023, Israeli strikes have claimed nearly 67,200 Palestinian lives in Gaza, predominantly women and children. The sustained bombardment has rendered Gaza nearly unlivable, triggering severe famine and widespread disease.

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