International reactions pour in following Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal

Key mediators in a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel say that a landmark agreement has been reached to pause the 15-month war in the Gaza Strip, starting 19 January. Israel has said the deal is in its final stages.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has refused to comment on the deal until all details and articles of the agreement are finalised. His office, in a statement, said the last details were still being ironed out, and expressed hope that it will be finalised by Thursday morning, after which, the Israeli premier will provide a formal acknowledgement of the matter.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog praised Netanyahu and his negotiating team for their efforts in bringing about a deal. In a televised statement, Herzog said more must be done, as he urged Netanyahu to accept the deal on the table and bring home the hostages.

“I strengthen the hands of the prime minister and the negotiating team in their efforts to bring about a deal and call on the members of the cabinet and the government of Israel to accept and approve the deal that will be presented to them, and to return our daughters and sons home.”

Hamas has given a statement following the announcement of the agreement, saying the group “will not forgive” Israel for the suffering it has caused in Gaza and on its people during the war.

“On behalf of all the victims, every drop of blood spilt and every tear of pain and oppression, we say: We will not forget and we will not forgive.” Said Khalil al-Hayya, Hamas’ chief negotiator.

Reactions from world leaders and international organisations have been pouring in, hailing the deal, set to end 15-months of suffering in Gaza.

Both US President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump praised the announcement of