European Union leaders broadly welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas announced overnight by US President Donald Trump,.
Today, the bloc called it a vital step towards ending months of conflict in Gaza and securing the release of hostages.
Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a plan to pause fighting and exchange hostages and prisoners.
Trump, who revealed the deal on his platform Truth Social, said it would ensure that “all of the hostages will be released very soon” and that Israeli forces would withdraw to an agreed line as part of “the first steps toward a strong, durable, and everlasting peace.”
The agreement, reached after three days of indirect negotiations in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, is expected to be formally approved by the Israeli cabinet later today.
Hamas has urged the US to ensure Israel fully implements the ceasefire.
European leaders praised the mediation efforts of the US, Qatar, Egypt and Turkey.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she welcomed the agreement, describing it as “a breakthrough” that was “based on the proposal put forward by the President of the United States”.
She praised the diplomatic work of Washington and regional partners and urged all sides to respect the terms of the deal.
Von der Leyen added that the EU would continue supporting humanitarian assistance to Gaza and stood ready to help with recovery and reconstruction.
Her words echoed by EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas, who wrote that this was “a major diplomatic accomplishment” and pledged that the EU “will do what it can to support its implementation.”
French President Emmanuel Macron also expressed support, commending Trump and the mediators from Qatar, Egypt and Turkey. “This agreement must mark the end of the war and the beginning of a political solution based on the two-state solution,” he wrote on X, adding that France would work with international partners to advance that goal.
A statement from the EU’s foreign affairs arm described the ceasefire as a “significant breakthrough” and “a major diplomatic accomplishment”, while noting that its success would depend on sustained commitment from both sides.
Belgian foreign minister Paul Prévot called the plan “a crucial step towards a ceasefire” and the release of hostages, saying Belgium supported the mediation efforts of Qatar, Egypt, the United States, and Turkey.
“We have probably never been as close to peace as we are now,” Prévot said, though he added a note of caution. Speaking on VRT’s De Ochtend radio programme, he said “A ceasefire is not credible if bombing continues.”
The day before the ceasefire announcement, Belgium had agreed to expand the arms embargo on Israel. Prévot said the overnight Middle East agreement does not alter Belgium’s stance
“I want guarantees that humanitarian aid will truly reach Gaza. That is why we are maintaining our sanctions”, the minister said.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called the announcement “the beginning of a just and lasting peace,” while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the agreement offered “a real prospect of peace in the region” and urged all parties to “keep their promises, end the war, and pave the way for lasting peace.”
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán offered one of the briefest reactions, posting simply: “Blessed are the peacemakers.”
Blessed are the peacemakers! https://t.co/7ZmDpyHkgH
— Orbán Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban) October 9, 2025
