Leaders in the U.S. and around the world commended the recent Israel-Hamas cease-fire deal on Wednesday.
During a press conference at the White House on Wednesday, Biden disclosed the details of the cease-fire. The agreement will unfold in two phases over the coming weeks.
The initial phase, scheduled to initiate on Sunday, encompasses a comprehensive cease-fire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from all populated regions of Gaza, and the liberation of various hostages held by Hamas, including women, the elderly, and the injured, as outlined by Biden.
The second phase is contingent on Israel negotiating “the necessary arrangements,” to mark a complete end to the war.
Starmer stated, “[The Israeli and Palestinian people] have endured the major impact of this conflict – instigated by the ruthless terrorists of Hamas, who perpetrated the deadliest attack on Jewish individuals since the Holocaust on October 7th, 2023.” Starmer emphasized, “The hostages, who were forcefully taken from their residences on that day and confined under unimaginable circumstances ever since, can now reunite with their loved ones.
“But we should also use this moment to pay tribute to those who won’t make it home – including the British people who were murdered by Hamas. We will continue to mourn and remember them. “
In an X post translated from French to English, French President Emmanuel Macron said that the cease-fire must be respected.
“After 15 months of unjustifiable ordeal, immense relief for the Gazans, hope for the hostages and their families,” Macron said. He also referenced Ohad Yahalomi and Ofer Calderon, two French-Israeli hostages.
Though many are celebrating, some have expressed caution about the possibility of the deal falling through.Â
President Biden delivers remarks on the recently announced cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas while joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken in the Cross Hall of the White House, Wednesday. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
On Wednesday, White House national security communications adviser John Kirby said that the “big hurdle” — which included finalizing the deal — had been “overcome.”
Hopefully, come this weekend, we’ll start to see some families reunited,” Kirby said, adding that he was “confident” that the deal will be implemented, despite hard work ahead.
Fox News Digital’s Joshua Comins contributed to this report.
