UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper says the UK stands ready to support the Gaza ceasefire and help implement both phases of the peace plan.
As reported by The Guardian, Yvette Cooper said the Gaza ceasefire plan must be implemented without delay.
Yvette Cooper’s views on the Gaza ceasefire plan
At Hillsborough Castle, where she is hosting a Western Balkans summit, the Foreign Secretary told reporters,
“The agreement on the first phase of President [Donald] Trump’s peace initiative is a moment of profound significance, relief and hope. And I want to pay tribute to the negotiators from the US, from Qatar, from Egypt, from Turkey, and all the many nations who have been working so hard over many months to help get to this point.”
She stated,
“After two years of the most devastating suffering, with tens of thousands of lives being lost, with the pain of hostages held for so long, and with the humanitarian crisis taking place, the agreement now to a ceasefire, to the restoration of humanitarian aid and to the release of all the hostages is immensely important and must be implemented as swiftly as possible.”
Ms Cooper said,
“Later today I will be travelling from here with the German foreign minister, my colleague, to Paris for the discussions later today about how all nations can support the immensely work that has been done thus far on President Trump’s peace initiative, but also how we make sure that we take it forward.”
The Foreign Secretary confirmed Britain “stands ready to play its part” in enforcing the Gaza ceasefire plan.
She said the UK will support not only the first phase of the plan but also the ongoing work on phase two.
Ms Cooper added,
“Because that work will continue as nations across the world come together to support a just and lasting peace and security for Palestinians and Israelis alike. We have seen some of the images of relief and hope on the streets of Gaza and on the streets of Israel overnight, and all nations will want to make sure that that is turned into reality.”
Keir Starmer’s response to the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Israel and Hamas’ agreement on the initial phase of the Gaza peace plan is “a moment of profound relief for the world.”
US President Donald Trump confirmed that both sides have agreed to the “first phase” of his plan to halt fighting and release hostages.
Referring to the deal, Mr Starmer said,
“I welcome the news that a deal has been reached on the first stage of President Trump’s peace plan for Gaza. This is a moment of profound relief that will be felt all around the world, but particularly for the hostages, their families, and for the civilian population of Gaza, who have all endured unimaginable suffering over the last two years.”
The Prime Minister highlighted that tireless diplomatic efforts by the US, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey were crucial in moving toward peace.
He stated,
“This agreement must now be implemented in full, without delay, and accompanied by the immediate lifting of all restrictions on life-saving humanitarian aid to Gaza.”
Mr Starmer added,
“We call on all parties to meet the commitments they have made, to end the war, and to build the foundations for a just and lasting end to the conflict and a sustainable path to a long-term peace. The UK will support these crucial immediate steps and the next stage of talks to ensure the full implementation of the peace plan.”
Kemi Badenoch’s views on the Gaza ceasefire deal
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch described the Gaza ceasefire as “hugely welcome” and a relief for Israeli hostage families.
She posted on X,
“The ceasefire deal in Gaza is hugely welcome. It will be an enormous relief to the families of Israeli hostages, so cruelly captured by Hamas two years ago.”
Ms Badenoch added,
“President Trump deserves credit for brokering this deal, with the support of Arab partners and Turkey. Hamas must now fully disarm and return all hostages, so the suffering in Gaza is eased and the war ends as swiftly as possible.”
The ceasefire deal in Gaza is hugely welcome.
— Kemi Badenoch (@KemiBadenoch) October 9, 2025
It will be an enormous relief to the families of Israeli hostages, so cruelly captured by Hamas two years ago.
President Trump deserves credit for brokering this deal, with the support of Arab partners and Turkey.
Hamas must now…
Ed Davey’s stance on the Gaza ceasefire and the two-state solution
Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, called the Gaza ceasefire a “first step” toward a two-state solution.
He added,
“News of a ceasefire deal in Gaza brings real hope. The UK and our allies must do all we can to get the hostages home, get aid in to starving people, and finally end this horrific violence. This must be the first step towards a two-state solution and a lasting peace.”
Board of Deputies’ views on the Gaza ceasefire
The Board of Deputies of British Jews welcomed the news, saying it was a moment “time for peace.”
Its president, Phil Rosenberg, stated,
“We can dare to hope for the release of all the hostages, and the conclusion of this terrible war. We convey our deep appreciation to President Trump, the mediators, and most of all, the indefatigable campaigning of the hostage families whose courage, resilience, and determination has been a beacon to the world.”
She added,
“We will celebrate the return of those living and praying for their swift recovery and care, and we will mourn the returning dead, thinking of their loved ones in their time of grief. It is time for healing. It is time for peace.”
World leaders’ response to the Gaza ceasefire deal
UN chief Antonio Guterres called for all hostages to be freed and said a permanent ceasefire is needed, adding, “The fighting must stop for good.”
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said the deal could be the first step toward a lasting solution and an independent Palestinian state.
Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, described the agreement as “a major diplomatic accomplishment” and a real chance to end the conflict and release hostages.
Friedrich Merz, Germany’s chancellor, called the developments “encouraging” and said he is confident a solution will be reached this week.
Pedro Sanchez, Spain’s prime minister, called for support for Gaza’s civilians and stressed that the atrocities experienced should “never be repeated.”
Emmanuel Macron, France’s president, described the agreement as a step that “must mark the end of the war” and open the path to a “political solution.”
Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s prime minister, called the deal “extraordinary news” and urged all parties to honour the agreed measures.
China’s foreign ministry said Beijing hopes for a “permanent and comprehensive” ceasefire in Gaza and supports Palestinian self-governance in the region.
Israel’s Finance Minister’s stance on the Gaza ceasefire deal
Bezalel Smotrich, Israel’s ultranationalist finance minister, said he opposes the Gaza ceasefire agreement with Hamas and vowed to vote no.
He stated,
“There is immense fear of the consequences of emptying the prisons and releasing the next generation of terrorist leaders who will do everything to continue to pour rivers of Jewish blood here, God forbid.”
Mr Smotrich added,
“For this reason alone, we cannot join in short-sighted celebrations or vote in favour of the deal.”
Hamas’ views on the first phase of Trump’s Gaza peace plan
Hamas called on Donald Trump to ensure Israel implements the ceasefire agreement without delay.
The group said the US president and mediators in Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey should ensure Israel fully implements the agreement without evasion or delay. It confirmed they accepted the first phase of the plan to end hostilities and called for Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza.
Palestinians’ deaths in Gaza since October 2023
Since the start of the war in October 2023, over 67,180 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza. Many victims are women and children, with civilians making up about 80% of the deaths.
The Israeli military restarted major strikes on Gaza on March 18, 2025, ending the ceasefire. Since then, over 13,500 Palestinians have died and 57,800 have been injured.
Key points of Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan
The plan urges an immediate ceasefire, hostage release, Israeli withdrawal, and a redeveloped, terror-free Gaza for its residents. A technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee would temporarily govern the territory instead of Hamas.
Hamas must give up its weapons and stop ruling Gaza. Peaceful members will get amnesty and a safe exit if they want. The plan also includes a big aid package to help rebuild Gaza.
