The welcome came from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Sudan, Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia, with praise for the efforts of Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey that contributed to reaching the agreement.
US President Donald Trump announced early Thursday that an agreement had been reached between Israel and the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) on the first phase of his ceasefire and prisoner exchange plan. This agreement followed four days of indirect negotiations in Sharm el-Sheikh, with the participation of delegations from Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar, under US supervision.
Saudi Arabia welcomed the agreement and the start of implementation of the first phase of Trump's proposal aimed at halting the war and paving the way for a comprehensive peace process. Saudi Arabia praised the role of the US president and the mediation efforts of Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, and expressed hope for a full Israeli withdrawal and an alleviation of the suffering of the Palestinians.
While Qatar said that the new phase of the agreement "represents a glimmer of hope toward a sustainable calm," praising the success of the joint mediation, which chose the path of "reason and wisdom instead of violence and escalation."
The UAE expressed its appreciation for the efforts of Trump and the three mediators, stressing the importance of building on this progress and adhering to the terms of the agreement in preparation for resuming a political process leading to a two-state solution.
Kuwait, for its part, affirmed its full support for international efforts to consolidate the ceasefire and ensure the safe and sustainable delivery of humanitarian aid, praising the positive roles played by Qatar, Egypt, the United States, and Turkey.
The Sultanate of Oman welcomed the agreement, considering it to contribute to ending the war, releasing prisoners, and ensuring the entry of aid. It called for continued efforts to achieve a just and comprehensive political solution.
Bahrain hailed what it described as a "historic achievement," calling on the parties to fully adhere to the agreement and work toward a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire and improvement of the conditions of the Gaza Strip's population.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi affirmed that the agreement is a "historic moment" that opens the door to hope for the people of the region, while Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aati expressed Cairo's hope that the agreement will mark the beginning of the end of a dark two-year chapter.
Syria expressed hope that the agreement would contribute to ending civilian suffering and opening the way for humanitarian efforts, while Lebanon welcomed the agreement as a first step toward a permanent ceasefire.
Iraq affirmed its support for all efforts aimed at consolidating the truce and fulfilling the Palestinian people's aspirations to establish an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital. Sudan, meanwhile, considered the agreement "an important step toward stopping the bloodshed and alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people."
Algeria considered the agreement to be a "first step toward ending the Israeli aggression," expressing hope that it would pave the way for a permanent solution that guarantees Palestinian national rights.
Morocco commended President Trump's personal engagement, calling for full implementation of the agreement, the commencement of reconstruction, and the opening of prospects for a just and lasting peace.
Tunisia expressed relief at reaching an agreement after "two years of systematic crimes," warning against the consequences of the occupation's breach of its commitments, and calling for ensuring the sustainability of the ceasefire, lifting the siege, and holding those responsible for crimes against Palestinians accountable.
Early Friday morning, the Israeli government ratified the agreement to end the war on the Gaza Strip and exchange prisoners with Palestinian factions. This means the ceasefire agreement will enter into immediate effect, bringing an end to the war of extermination that has lasted more than two years in the Strip.
Tel Aviv estimates that there are 48 Israeli prisoners in Gaza, 20 of whom are still alive. Meanwhile, more than 11,100 Palestinians are languishing in its prisons, suffering from torture, starvation, and medical neglect. Many of these Palestinians have been killed, according to Palestinian and Israeli human rights and media reports.
According to the official broadcasting authority, all government ministers voted in favor of the agreement, with the exception of five, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
With American support, Israel has been committing genocide in Gaza since October 7, 2023, leaving 67,194 martyrs and 169,890 wounded, most of them children anand women, and a famine that has claimed the lives of 460 Palestinians, including 154 children.
