BRUSSELS

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the agreement between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas on the first phase of a ceasefire plan in Gaza, calling on all parties to fully uphold the terms of the agreement.

"Now, all parties must fully uphold the terms of the agreement. All hostages must be released safely. A permanent ceasefire must be established. The suffering must end," she said through the US social media company X.

Von der Leyen added that the EU would continue to support the swift and safe delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and that it stands ready to assist with recovery and reconstruction when the time comes.

"Today's opportunity should be seized. It’s the opportunity to forge a credible political path toward lasting peace and security. A path firmly anchored in the two-state solution," she added.

EU Council President Antonio Costa also welcomed the agreement, saying its implementation paves the way for the long-awaited release of all Israeli hostages, a ceasefire in Gaza, and an end to the severe humanitarian crisis on the ground.

"This is a crucial opportunity that must be used to lay the foundation for a lasting peace, grounded in a two-state solution," he said on X.

Both praised the diplomatic efforts of the US, Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye in reaching the agreement.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas hailed the agreement between Israel and Hamas on the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal as a "significant breakthrough."

"This is a major diplomatic accomplishment and a real chance to end a devastating war and release all the hostages," she said on X.

The remarks came after US President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had signed off on the first phase of a US-proposed Gaza deal.

The 20-point plan, first announced on Sept. 29, includes the release of all Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a ceasefire, the disarmament of Hamas, and the rebuilding of Gaza.

Since October 2023, Israeli attacks have killed nearly 67,200 Palestinians in the enclave, most of them women and children.

The relentless bombardment has left Gaza largely uninhabitable, leading to widespread starvation and disease.