UN Secretary-General António Guterres praised the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, calling it “the first important step”.

Stressing that the priority must be to ease the tremendous suffering caused by the conflict, Antonio said the UN stands ready to support the implementation of the deal and scale up the delivery of sustained humanitarian relief.

“It is imperative that this ceasefire removes the significant security and political obstacles to delivering aid across Gaza so that we can support a major increase in urgent lifesaving humanitarian support,” he said.

Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz said he believes the ceasefire opens the door to a permanent end to the war and to the improvement of the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

French President Emmanuel Macron underscored the need for all parties to respect the ceasefire, release hostages, and bring aid into Gaza.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the Italian government is ready to help stabilize and rebuild Gaza.

Egypt, Jordan, and Iraq have highlighted the importance of speeding up urgent humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Palestinians celebrated the deal in Gaza streets. Many cheered, waved Palestinian flags, and danced.

The conflict in the Gaza strip has lasted for 15 months. After Hamas attacked southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking hundreds of hostages in October 2023, Tel Aviv launched a campaign in Gaza that killed more than 46,700 people and injured 110,000 others.

The ceasefire will take effect on January 19. US President Joe Biden said during the next six weeks, Israel will negotiate the necessary arrangements to get phase two to ensure a permanent end to the war.