International Community Welcomes Gaza Ceasefire Agreement: "The Suffering Must End"

Guterres, UN Secretary-General: "Supports Full Implementation"
Starmer, UK Prime Minister: "A Moment of Global Relief"

The international community has welcomed the agreement reached between Israel and the Palestinian armed faction Hamas on a first-phase ceasefire, brokered by the United States and neighboring countries.

On October 8 (local time), United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated on X (formerly Twitter) that the UN would support the full implementation of the agreement.

View of the Gaza Strip from Israel

Secretary-General Guterres emphasized, "All hostages must be released in a dignified manner, and a permanent ceasefire must be ensured," adding, "The war must come to a complete halt." He continued, "It is essential to guarantee the immediate and smooth entry of humanitarian supplies and essential goods into the Gaza Strip," and stressed, "The suffering must end."

According to DPA News Agency, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described it as "a moment of deep relief for the world," and said that the tireless efforts of the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey played a decisive role in advancing towards peace. Prime Minister Starmer urged all parties to implement the agreement to end the war and lay the foundation for a sustainable path toward long-term peace, adding, "The United Kingdom will support the next steps in dialogue to ensure full implementation."

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong issued a joint statement welcoming the agreement on the ceasefire negotiations, calling the decision "a necessary step for peace." They also strongly supported the provision in the plan that denies any role for Hamas in the future governance of the Gaza Strip, apparently mindful of the recent strain in relations with Israel following Australia's official recognition of Palestine as a state last month.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed on X his gratitude to President Trump and the efforts of Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, stating, "After years of intense suffering, we can finally achieve peace."

According to Reuters, New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters said this was "an essential first step toward achieving peace," and called on Israel and Hamas to continue working toward a comprehensive solution.