Global Reaction to Israel-Hamas Cease-fire: A Long-Awaited Development “`
Global and U.S. leaders welcomed the recently announced ceasefire agreement on Wednesday.
President Biden unveiled the two-phased ceasefire plan, slated to unfold over several weeks, during a White House press conference.
The initial phase, commencing Sunday, involves the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from all populated Gaza areas and the release of Hamas hostages, including women, the elderly, and the wounded, according to Biden.
The second phase hinges on Israel negotiating the necessary arrangements to formally conclude the conflict.
The response was largely positive. New York Governor Kathy Hochul expressed encouragement, stating that she had advocated for a ceasefire since the October 7th attacks on Israeli civilians.
“My top priority has been securing the hostages’ return,” Hochul added.
Representative Ritchie Torres (D-NY) tweeted his immense relief at the prospect of the hostages’ return, emphasizing the significance of this event for Israelis and Jews impacted by the October 7th attacks and celebrating the U.S.-Israel relationship.
The agreement also garnered international attention. British Prime Minister Kier Starmer called the ceasefire “long overdue,” highlighting the suffering endured by both Israelis and Palestinians and emphasizing the brutality of the Hamas attacks.
Starmer also paid tribute to British citizens killed by Hamas and vowed to remember them.
In a translated X post, French President Emmanuel Macron stressed the importance of upholding the ceasefire, offering hope to the hostages and their families, and specifically mentioning French-Israeli hostages Ohad Yahalomi and Ofer Calderon.
Despite the celebratory mood, some expressed reservations about the deal’s potential failure.
White House national security communications advisor John Kirby stated that major hurdles, including finalizing the agreement, had been overcome.
Kirby expressed confidence in the deal’s implementation, acknowledging the challenges ahead and anticipating family reunions this weekend.
Digital’s Joshua Comins contributed to this report.