SYDNEY – US President Donald Trump said on Oct 8 that Israel and Hamas had reached a long-sought deal for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release under his plan for ending the two-year-old war in the Palestinian enclave.

Following are reactions from leaders to the development:

“I welcome the news that a deal has been reached on the first stage of US President Trump’s peace plan for Gaza,” Mr Starmer said in a statement.

“This is a moment of profound relief that will be felt all around the world, but particularly for the hostages, their families, and for the civilian population of Gaza, who have all endured unimaginable suffering over the last two years.

“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.

“We call on all parties to meet the commitments they have made, to end the war, and to build the foundations for a just and lasting end to the conflict and a sustainable path to a long-term peace.

“Canada welcomes the agreement of Israel and Hamas to implement the first phase of the peace plan put forward by US President Trump, and facilitated by Qatar, Egypt and Turkey,” Global Affairs Canada, which manages the country’s diplomatic and consular relations, said on X.

“After two long years, hostages will finally be reunited with their families – and that Israeli troops will withdraw to behind agreed upon lines. Immediate and unimpeded humanitarian aid must be provided to the many people in dire need across Gaza.

“Canada will support all efforts to turn this positive step into lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians.”

“I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first phase of our peace plan,” Mr Trump said on Truth Social.

“This means that all of the hostages will be released very soon, and ...