SINGAPORE: Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence welcomed the agreement by Israel and Hamas to start the first phase of US President Donald Trump's peace plan.

In the Facebook post on Friday (Oct 10) morning, Mr Wong said:"It has been two long years since the 7 October 2023 attacks by Hamas. Far too many lives have been lost, and the suffering has been immense."

He also commended the role played by US President Donald Trump: "I recognise the leadership of President Donald Trump, and the invaluable efforts of Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye in helping to achieve this breakthrough."

Looking ahead, he said Singapore was ready to step up its"capacity building programmes to help the Palestinians in this process".

"We will contribute in whatever way we can to ensure that both Israelis and Palestinians can live in lasting peace and security.

Earlier, Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) issued similar remarks, as it urged all parties to make further progress towards resolving outstanding issues in subsequent phases.

"It is vital to create the conditions that would be conducive for the reconstruction of Gaza; and to achieve stability, security, and peace throughout the Middle East," added the MFA spokesperson.

Israel and Hamas agreed on Wednesday to the first phase of the peace plan.

The 20-point framework covers a ceasefire and hostage deal that could be a first step towards ending a two-year war that has killed more than 67,000 people.

World leaders have welcomed the agreement, with United Nations chief Antonio Guterres urging all stakeholders to seize the"momentous opportunity" to establish a credible political path forward towards ending the war.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who led the UK to be among the first few countries to formally recognise a Palestinian state, said the agreement must now be implemented in full and without delay.

Egypt, which hosted indirect talks between Israel and Hamas this week, hailed it as a “pivotal moment”.

Malaysia called the agreement"a crucial step to ending the genocide, destruction and starvation in Gaza", and urged all sides to"swiftly and comprehensively implement the agreed terms".

CEASEFIRE DEAL

The first phase of the plan would bring the release of all hostages, alive and dead, and the withdrawal of Israeli troops to the so-called yellow line in Gaza.

"I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan," Mr Trump said on Truth Social.

"This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace," he added.

While hopes are raised for an end to the war, some details are still unclear. This includes the timing, a post-war administration for the Gaza Strip and the fate of Hamas.

Mr Trump's 20-point plan envisions a role for the Palestinian Authority but only after it has undergone major reforms.

The next phase of the US president's plan calls for an international body to play a role in Gaza's post-war administration - to be led by Mr