Cairo: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has announced that a ceasefire agreement in Gaza has officially come into effect today. The Israeli government is expected to confirm the deal by this evening.
According to the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the ceasefire deal marks a significant turning point in the Gaza conflict. Positive developments at Sharm El-Sheikh played a key role in reaching this historic moment. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Atty is set to travel to Paris to attend a ministerial meeting.
President El-Sisi declared that an agreement has been reached to establish a ceasefire and end the war in Gaza. According to Israeli officials, the release of 20 Israeli hostages held in Gaza is expected on Sunday or Monday.
“This is a historic moment where the world witnesses the triumph of peace after two years of suffering,” President El-Sisi stated while announcing the implementation of the ceasefire agreement.
On the Israeli side, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has convened a meeting of the security cabinet and government later this evening to approve the deal.
Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump stated on social media that Israel and Hamas have signed the first phase of a peace plan, and all hostages will be released soon. He noted that Israeli forces would withdraw to a mutually agreed line, calling it the first step towards strong, sustainable, and lasting peace. Trump also thanked Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey for making this historic and unprecedented event possible.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu assured that the hostages would be brought home. Hamas confirmed that the agreement aims to ensure the end of the Gaza war, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the safe exchange of hostages.
Hamas has urged international mediators, including the United States, Arab nations, and global actors, to ensure Israel fully adheres to the agreement and avoids any delays or violations.
Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also confirmed that the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement has been finalized. The deal includes the end of hostilities, release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and the delivery of humanitarian aid.
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed France’s readiness to contribute to lasting peace and urged all parties to strictly adhere to the terms of the agreement.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he felt relieved that the hostages would soon reunite with their families, adding that after years of intense suffering, peace finally seems within reach.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised the diplomatic efforts leading to the agreement and expressed optimism following the cooperation of both the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority. She emphasized the need for full compliance with the deal by all sides.
EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas called the agreement a significant breakthrough, offering a real opportunity to end the devastating war and secure the release of all hostages.
Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed deep satisfaction over the ceasefire achieved through negotiations. However, he stressed that Turkey's struggle will continue until a fully sovereign Palestinian state is established.
Saudi Arabia welcomed the deal, expressing hope that it will lead to complete Israeli withdrawal and restoration of security and stability. It also voiced optimism that the agreement could pave the way for a two-state solution and comprehensive peace.
