Sir Keir Starmer has praised the historic agreement between Israel and Hamas on the first phase of a peace deal, describing it as a ‘moment of profound relief that will reverberate worldwide’.
Donald Trump announced last night that both parties have consented to the initial step of his plan, which involves halting the fighting and freeing at least some hostages.
In a conversation with the families of Israeli hostages still held by Hamas, the US president assured them that their loved ones might return home as soon as Monday.
Responding to the news, Sir Keir said: ‘I welcome the news that a deal has been reached on the first stage of President Trump’s peace plan for Gaza.
‘This is a moment of deep relief that will resonate globally, especially for the hostages, their families, and the people of Gaza, who have all faced unimaginable hardship over the past two years.’
The ‘tireless diplomatic efforts’ of the US, as well as Egypt, Qatar and Turkey have been crucial in moving towards peace, the Prime Minister said.
He continued: ‘This deal needs to be fully carried out without any delay, alongside the prompt removal of all barriers to life-saving humanitarian aid for Gaza.’
‘We urge all parties to honor their commitments, to cease the war, and to lay the groundwork for a fair and enduring resolution to the conflict, paving a path towards sustainable long-term peace.’
Sir Keir Starmer has hailed Israel and Hamas’ landmark agreement to phase one of a peace deal as a ‘moment of profound relief that will be felt around the world’
Donald Trump broke the news to the families of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas that they will all be returning home on Monday
‘The UK will support these crucial immediate steps and the next stage of talks to ensure the full implementation of the peace plan.’
The news comes just two days after the second anniversary of October 7, the attacks by Palestinian militant group Hamas on Israel which sparked the current conflict.
Nearly 1,200 people were killed during the incursion, and around 250 people were taken as hostages into Gaza.
Israel’s military campaign, launched in retaliation, has led to the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians, has devastated Gaza and revealed fault lines in global politics.
Hamas is planning to release the 20 living hostages it still has in captivity, and in exchange Israel will free Palestinian prisoners it has in captivity.
Emily Damari, a British-Israeli who was held captive by Hamas for more than a year before being released in January, posted a video to her Instagram celebrating the news with friends, which included fellow former hostage Romi Gonen.
The group can be seen hugging each other and dancing around a room as they toast ‘L’chaim’, meaning ‘to life’.
Eli Sharabi, a freed hostage whose wife and two daughters were killed during Hamas’ attack on October 7 2023, wrote on social media: ‘Great joy, can’t wait to see everyone home.’
Vicky Cohen, the mother of hostage Nimrod Cohen, wrote on X: ‘My child, you are coming home.’
After both Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase of the peace deal, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick held up a speaker phone to hostage families to speak to Trump
Nimrod’s father, Yehuda Cohen, spoke at the Israeli Embassy in London in March urging Mr Netanyahu to move a ceasefire deal forward.
Early on Thursday, Mr Netanyahu called the deal a ‘diplomatic success and a national and moral victory for the State of Israel’.
He wrote on X: ‘From the beginning, I made it clear: we will not rest until all our hostages return and all our goals are achieved.
‘Through steadfast resolve, powerful military action, and the great efforts of our great friend and ally President Trump, we have reached this critical turning point.
‘I thank President Trump for his leadership, his partnership, and his unwavering commitment to the safety of Israel and the freedom of our hostages.’
UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres urged all parties to obey the terms of the deal as he said the UN would support its ‘full implementation’.
Speaking on Fox News in the US on Thursday, Mr Trump said hostages would ‘probably’ start being released on Monday.
‘The whole world came together, to be honest. The world has come together around this deal,’ Mr Trump said.
‘It’s been really an amazing period of time. So great for Israel, so great for Muslims and the Arab countries.
‘You’ll see people getting along and Gaza will be rebuilt.’
He continued: ‘Gaza, we believe is going to be a much safer place and it’s going to be a place that reconstructs and other countries in the area will help it reconstruct because they have tremendous amounts of wealth, and they want to see that happen.
‘I’m very confident there’ll be peace in the Middle East.’
Mr Trump announced Hamas and Israel had come to terms on his social media platform Truth Social.
He said: ‘This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace.
‘All Parties will be treated fairly!’
