(MENAFN) French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday praised the recently announced Israel-Hamas agreement on the initial phase of a Gaza ceasefire, describing it as a beacon of “immense hope.”

Speaking via the US social media platform X, Macron said, “Immense hope for the hostages and their families, for the Palestinians in Gaza, and for the region.”

He acknowledged the joint efforts behind the deal, stating, “I welcome the agreement reached last night for the release of the hostages and the ceasefire in Gaza, and the efforts of (US) President (Donald) Trump, as well as the Qatari, Egyptian, and Turkish mediators, to achieve it.”

Macron urged all parties to “strictly respect” the agreement’s terms, emphasizing that “This agreement must mark the end of the war and the beginning of a political solution based on the two-state solution.”

France stands ready to support this process, Macron added, noting that the issue would be discussed later on Thursday in Paris with international partners.

The announcement followed US President Trump’s statement confirming that Israel and Hamas had accepted the first stage of a US-backed Gaza ceasefire plan.

The comprehensive 20-point framework, unveiled on September 29, calls for the release of all Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a ceasefire, Hamas disarmament, and reconstruction of Gaza.

Since October 2023, Israeli airstrikes have killed nearly 67,200 Palestinians in Gaza, predominantly women and children, with relentless bombardment rendering much of the enclave unlivable amid widespread starvation and disease.

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