After two years of conflict, Israel and Hamas have agreed to implement the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire, with a formal signing ceremony set for Thursday in Egypt's Sharm el-Sheikh. The breakthrough follows three days of intensive negotiations mediated by regional and global powers.
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi hailed the agreement as "a historic moment embodying the triumph of peace over war," while Türkiye announced plans to join ceasefire monitoring efforts. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan pledged: "We will contribute to Gaza's reconstruction and help locate hostages through a joint task force."
The United Arab Emirates urged compliance with the agreement's terms, while UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called it "a momentous opportunity" to advance Palestinian self-determination and a two-state solution. European leaders echoed cautious optimism, with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer noting "profound relief for hostages' families and Gaza's civilians" after "unimaginable suffering."
France and Germany emphasized next steps, with President Emmanuel Macron declaring "this must mark the war's end and a political solution's beginning," while German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stressed the urgency of delivering aid and creating "prospects for reconstruction."
As international partners prepare for Paris talks on Gaza's future, the agreement raises hopes for sustained peace while testing global cooperation in addressing one of Asia's most complex geopolitical challenges.
