World Leaders Celebrate Release of Israeli Hostages, Urge Full Implementation of Ceasefire Deal

On Sunday, the release of three Israeli hostages by Hamas was hailed as a long-awaited victory, with world leaders calling for the full implementation of the three-phase ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and the terror group. The hostages—Romi Gonen, 24, Emily Damari, 28, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31—were abducted during the Hamas-led invasion of southern Israel on October 7, 2023. Their release marks the beginning of a process that will see 33 hostages, both alive and deceased, freed as part of the first phase of the agreement.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the release of Emily Damari, a British-Israeli dual citizen, as "wonderful and long-overdue news," praising the tireless efforts of the hostages' families. He also stressed that while the deal was a welcome development, the world must not forget the hostages still in Hamas captivity and urged the full implementation of the ceasefire deal, which includes a surge of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also expressed his support, calling the release of the hostages a "deeply meaningful moment" and stressing the need for continued progress towards peace and security in the Middle East.

Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu echoed similar sentiments, praising the courage of the released hostages and calling for the full execution of the agreement to ensure the safe return of all remaining hostages. Meanwhile, Thailand's Foreign Ministry welcomed the ceasefire deal and urged the immediate release of Thai nationals still held in captivity.

European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the importance of the hostages' release, calling it a "new chapter" for Israelis and Palestinians. She urged that the ceasefire hold and reaffirmed Europe's commitment to supporting the deal. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also welcomed the release and stressed the need for continued humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza.

In the United States, President-elect Donald Trump expressed relief over the hostages' release, while outgoing President Joe Biden emphasized his support for the full implementation of the agreement, which was based on a framework unveiled by the Biden administration in May 2024.

The next phase of the deal is expected to see the release of additional hostages, with the first phase set to conclude within six weeks. The deal includes the release of 33 hostages, many of whom are women, children, elderly, or ill. However, the situation remains complicated, with 91 hostages still believed to be in Hamas's custody, including 34 confirmed dead.

As the world celebrates the return of these three hostages, the focus remains on ensuring that the remaining phases of the deal are successfully executed, bringing hope for the release of all those still in captivity.