Australian political leaders have united in praise of U.S. President Donald Trump after his administration brokered a landmark ceasefire in Gaza, ending more than two years of conflict and securing the release of hostages.
The agreement, finalised in Egypt with the support of Qatar and Türkiye, has been described as one of the most significant diplomatic achievements in years—and one that brought rare bipartisan approval in Canberra.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong called the Gaza ceasefire a “singular achievement” by President Trump as the first hostages were returned to Israel.
“Only the president of the United States could bring this about,” she said on ABC last evening.
“He deserves enormous congratulations … it is an enormous achievement.”
Wong said the breakthrough was “extraordinarily moving” and a moment of immense relief for people in Israel and Australia alike.
“We haven’t seen this sort of progress in the Middle East for some time,” she added. “He’s brought this conflict to a pause and hopefully to an end.”
She said the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners was “such an important part” of the deal, calling it a necessary step toward lasting stability.
‘An Achievement Remembered by History’
Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles said President Trump’s diplomacy had changed the course of the conflict.“You have to acknowledge and give credit to President Trump and the administration,” he told Channel 9.
“This is an achievement that is incredible and will be remembered by history.”
He urged all sides to commit fully to the plan.
“Now is the moment to take this move forward … to ensure that what we are seeing here is an enduring peace in the Middle East.”
Treasurer Jim Chalmers also welcomed the release of hostages calling it “a very welcome development” and that families would feel “extraordinary relief” as loved ones returned home.
“It’s a very good thing to see hostages released now,” he told reporters post his press conference on Oct. 13.
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley described the moment as one of hope after “a dark chapter.”
“The news that hostages will come home offers light after a dark chapter,” she said, referencing a vigil marking two years since the Oct. 7 attacks.
UAP Senator Says Society Needs to Appreciate the Progress
United Australia Party Senator Ralph Babet said Trump’s diplomacy had achieved what years of conflict could not.“I think he’s done a very excellent job,” he told The Epoch Times.
Babet said people might disagree about Israel, Palestine, or Trump himself, but the outcome spoke for itself.
“They cannot like Donald Trump. They cannot like Benjamin Netanyahu ... What they should be happy about … is that because of Donald Trump, children aren’t going to get blown up in a war now.”
Global Leaders Back Diplomatic Future
A joint White House statement signed by President Trump, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, and Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan committed the nations to dismantling extremism and preventing a return to conflict.“We are united in our determination to dismantle extremism and radicalisation in all its forms,” the statement said.
“No society can flourish when violence and racism is normalised, or when radical ideologies threaten the fabric of civil life.”
The leaders pledged to replace conflict with negotiation.
“We hereby commit to the resolution of future disputes through diplomatic engagement and negotiation rather than through force or protracted conflict.”
They said the region could no longer endure “a persistent cycle of prolonged warfare” and that future generations “deserve better than the failures of the past.”
“We seek tolerance, dignity, and equal opportunity for every person, ensuring this region is a place where all can pursue their aspirations in peace, security, and economic prosperity, regardless of race, faith, or ethnicity.”
