U.S. and world leaders on Wednesday praised the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Biden announced the terms of the ceasefire during a press conference at the White House on Wednesday. This will consist of two phases and will be implemented over the next few weeks.
The first phase, scheduled to begin on Sunday, includes “a full and complete cease-fire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from all populated areas of Gaza, and a large number of hostages held by Hamas, including women, the elderly, and women.” This includes the release of “injured persons,'' Biden said.
The second step depends on whether Israel negotiates the “necessary deal” to end the war once and for all.
Asked if Trump can take credit for the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, Biden pauses, saying, “Are you kidding?”
Citizens gather at Place de la République to celebrate the Gaza ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel in Paris on Wednesday. (Luc Aufret/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Reaction to the deal was overwhelmingly positive. New York Governor Kathy Hochul said she was “very encouraged” to see the ceasefire come to fruition.
“This is what I have been advocating for many months over the past year, ever since the horrific and barbaric attack on innocent Israeli civilians on October 7 last year,” Hochul said. “My first priority is to bring the hostages home.”
Rep. Richie Torres (D.N.Y.) wrote to X that he felt “an indescribable sense of relief” about the hostages' return.
“The return of the hostages will mark the beginning of closure for Israelis, Jews, and countless others who remain deeply affected by the indelible horror and trauma of October 7,” Torres wrote. “The hostages were brought home by the strength of one of the strongest friendships in the world: the relationship between the United States and Israel.”
The agreement also attracted international attention. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the ceasefire “long-awaited news” in a statement.
FOX News goes inside the IDF's war against Hamas
Hundreds of people holding banners and photos of prisoners demanding the immediate return of prisoners held by Hamas gathered outside the Defense Ministry building in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Wednesday, calling for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government. protested. (Stringer/Anadolu via Getty Images)
”[The Israeli and Palestinian people] “People are bearing the brunt of this conflict caused by the brutal terrorists of Hamas, who committed the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust on October 7, 2023,” Starmer said. After being held captive in unimaginable conditions ever since, they were finally able to return to their families.
“But we should also use this moment to pay tribute to those who were unable to return home, including the British nationals killed by Hamas. We will continue to mourn and commemorate them.”
French President Emmanuel Macron said in an Xpost translation from French to English that the ceasefire must be respected.
“After 15 months of unjust ordeal, there is an immense sense of relief for Gazans and hope for the hostages and their families,” President Macron said. He also mentioned two Israeli-French hostages, Ohad Yahalomi and Ofer Calderon.
While many are celebrating, others are expressing alarm over the possibility of the deal falling through.
President Biden spoke Wednesday in the Cross Hall of the White House with Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken about the recently announced ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
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White House national security communications adviser John Kirby said Wednesday that “major hurdles” including reaching a deal have been “overcome.”
“We hope that come this weekend we will be able to reunite some families,” Kirby said, adding that despite the difficult work ahead, he remains “confident” that the agreement will be implemented. ” he added.
Fox News Digital’s Joshua Comins contributed to this report.
