ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – Baghdad and Tehran on Thursday welcomed the landmark agreement between Israel and Hamas toward a ceasefire in Gaza, urging the implementation of humanitarian efforts and securing the rights of the Palestinian people.

The agreement, involving the first phase of a US-proposed peace plan, was announced earlier Thursday by US President Donald Trump and includes the withdrawal of Israeli forces in Gaza to an agreed upon line, and the exchange of hostages.

In a statement, Iraq’s foreign ministry welcomed “the regional and international efforts that have led to reaching an agreement regarding Gaza,” affirming support “for all endeavors aimed at ending the war, alleviating the suffering of civilians, and creating conditions that promote stability.”

The ministry asserted that the agreement should be implemented “in a manner that guarantees the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people… leading to the achievement of their aspirations to establish their independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.”

The statement further highlighted the need for “ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid to those affected without obstruction.”

The Iranian foreign ministry also issued a statement, asserting “Iran has always supported any action and initiative that entails stopping the genocidal war, withdrawal of occupying forces, entry of humanitarian aid, release of Palestinian prisoners, and realization of the fundamental rights of Palestinians.”

Tehran also alerted “all parties” to remain vigilant against what it described as Israel’s “deception and betrayal.”

The ministry urged the international community “to implement justice through identifying and prosecuting the instigators and perpetrators of war crimes, genocide,” aiming to end Israel’s “decades-long impunity.”

The initial phase of the peace plan, intended to progress into a longer-term security plan that includes the potential disarmament of Hamas, was accepted by both Israel and the Palestinian group following indirect talks. The Trump proposal consists of a 20-point plan.

The deal has been hailed regionally and internationally as a major breakthrough aimed at ending the war.

The indirect talks leading to the agreement were hosted in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh resort by the US, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey. The delegations included Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, and Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer.

The agreement comes after two years of sustained conflict in the region. According to Gaza's health ministry, the Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip has resulted in the deaths of over 67,000 people, the majority of whom are civilians.

The high casualty count has led to growing international backlash, including a torrent of recent recognition of Palestinian statehood by several Western countries, which has put increasing pressure on Israel and its allies to bring an end to the hostilities.