The deal follows weeks of negotiations in the Qatari capital and promises the release of dozens of hostages held by Hamas in phases, and the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israel.
It will also allow hundreds of thousands of people displaced in Gaza to return to what remains of their homes and allow the devastated territory access to badly needed humanitarian aid.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the deal is “long-overdue news” and paid tribute to “the British people who were murdered by Hamas” adding: “We will continue to mourn and remember them.”
READ MORE: What are the terms of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal? See the phases
In a statement released as US President Joe Biden held a live news conference on the developments, Starmer said the Israeli and Palestinian people have “borne the brunt of this conflict”, triggered by the “brutal terrorists of Hamas”.
The Prime Minister added: “The hostages, who were brutally ripped from their homes on that day and held captive in unimaginable conditions ever since, can now finally return to their families. But we should also use this moment to pay tribute to those who won’t make it home – including the British people who were murdered by Hamas. We will continue to mourn and remember them.
“For the innocent Palestinians whose homes turned into a warzone overnight and the many who have lost their lives, this ceasefire must allow for a huge surge in humanitarian aid, which is so desperately needed to end the suffering in Gaza.
“And then our attention must turn to how we secure a permanently better future for the Israeli and Palestinian people – grounded in a two-state solution that will guarantee security and stability for Israel, alongside a sovereign and viable Palestine state.
“The UK and its allies will continue to be at the forefront of these crucial efforts to break the cycle of violence and secure long-term peace in the Middle East.”
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney said: “Since the outset of this conflict, the Scottish Government has called for urgent de-escalation, an immediate ceasefire by all sides and the release of hostages.
“We join the international community in welcoming the agreement of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas and hope that this can be the beginning of a long term political solution in the Middle East.
“There is, however, still significant work required to ensure peace and security across the region.”
Carla Denyer, the co-leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, said: “Breathing a sigh of relief that after 15 months of bloodshed, there will finally be a ceasefire in Gaza. My thoughts are with all of those who lost loved ones in this horrific violence – and those who will continue to suffer as a result of the destruction of hospitals, schools and land needed for food.”
She added: “The genocidal horror that we have witnessed in Gaza must never be allowed to happen again. Leaders across the world must now push for an end to the ongoing occupation of Palestinian territory, and for all those responsible for war crimes to be held to account.”
READ MORE: International lawyers and academics react to Gaza ceasefire
Independent MP Jeremy Corbyn published a statement alongside several other pro-Palestine representatives at Westminster called The Independent Alliance.
The statement said: “Over the past 15 months, human beings have endured a level of horror and inhumanity that should haunt us forever. Home by home, hospital by hospital, generation by generation – we have witnessed a genocide, aided and abetted by governments across the world, including our own.
“The announcement of a ceasefire will bring welcome and vital respite to survivors, as well as relief to all those who will be reunited with friends and family. It is beyond shameful that it has taken this long to bring it about. How many lives could have been saved if political leaders acted sooner and listened to the global demand for peace?
“They have blood on their hands – and it will never wash away. The British government must now cooperate fully with the International Criminal Court in pursuit of justice against all those whohave committed war crimes.”
Elsewhere, LibDem MP Layla Moran, whose mother is Palestinian and has previously spoken about a family member who died and others who managed to escape, posted to Twitter/X: “Finally. Ceasefire. So many feelings. Still can’t quite believe it. We’d been so close before. But also why did it take so long. Thousands of innocents dead. So much devastation. Let’s hope this lasts and the bombs don’t start again.”
The European Greens gave a cautious welcome to the news, with co-chair Vula Tsetsi saying she hoped the ceasefire would “finally break the cycle of violence”.
Her colleague Ciarán Cuffe added that European institutions and governments should seek to ensure the deal holds.
READ MORE: Palestinian ambassador says ‘world must not fail’ Gaza again
Across the Atlantic, President Biden said his administration and Donald Trump’s team were “speaking as one team” in negotiations on the Gaza ceasefire deal.
US president-elect Trump claimed credit for the deal, which he said was only possible because of his election victory.
Trump had previously warned “all hell will break out” if Hamas did not release its Israeli hostages before his inauguration on Monday.
Writing on his Truth Social platform, he said: “We will continue promoting PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH throughout the region, as we build upon the momentum of this ceasefire to further expand the Historic Abraham Accords. This is only the beginning of great things to come for America, and indeed, the World!”
Trump said that America would “work closely with Israel and our Allies to make sure Gaza NEVER again becomes a terrorist safe haven”.