PARIS, Oct 9, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - World leaders on Thursday welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire and hostage-release deal between Israel and Hamas, which could help end the two-year war in Gaza.

- Palestinian Territories -

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas said he hoped that the deal "would be a prelude to reaching a permanent political solution", leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

- United Nations -

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres called for all hostages to be released "in a dignified manner" and for a permanent ceasefire to be secured.

"The fighting must stop once and for all," he said, urging the immediate, unimpeded entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

- Turkey -

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan singled out his US counterpart Donald Trump for praise, thanking him for demonstrating "the necessary political will to encourage the Israeli government toward the ceasefire".

- European Union -

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called the deal "a major diplomatic accomplishment", which was "a real chance" to end the conflict and release the hostages.

Among European leaders, Trump ally Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy called it "extraordinary news", while French President Emmanuel Macron said he hoped it would pave the way for a "political solution".

Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the developments were "encouraging" and he was "confident" of a solution this week.

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, one of Europe's most vocal critics of Israel's offensive in Gaza, said the civilian population should now be supported and "the atrocities experienced... never repeated".

- UK -

Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised the "tireless" diplomatic efforts of mediators Egypt, Qatar, Turkey and the United States, as well as regional partners to secure what he said was a "crucial first step".

"This agreement must now be implemented in full, without delay, and accompanied by the immediate lifting of all restrictions on life-saving humanitarian aid to Gaza," he added.

- China -

Foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said Beijing hoped for a "permanent and comprehensive" ceasefire in Gaza as soon as possible, adding: "China advocates adhering to the principle that 'Palestinians should govern Palestine'."