Israel-Hamas cease-fire deal hailed as 'long-awaited news' by world leaders, US politicians.

On Wednesday, the Israel-Hamas cease-fire agreement was praised by leaders globally.

During a news conference at the White House on Wednesday, Biden declared the cease-fire's terms, which will consist of two phases and will occur over the upcoming weeks.

Biden announced that the first phase of the cease-fire in Gaza, which begins Sunday, will involve a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from all populated areas, the release of hostages held by Hamas, including women and the elderly and the wounded.

The second phase of the conflict will only end if Israel agrees to the required arrangements.

The cease-fire was met with a highly positive response, as New York Gov. Kathy Hochul expressed her enthusiasm about the outcome.

"Hochul has been advocating for months to bring home the hostages since the October 7, 2020 attack on innocent civilians in Israel."

Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y., expressed a sense of relief about the return of hostages, stating that he felt "an indescribable sense of relief."

"The return of the hostages will signify the start of healing for Israelis, Jews, and many others who are still grappling with the lasting fear and trauma of October 7th, according to Torres. The hostages' safe return was made possible through the strength of the US-Israel bond."

The cease-fire was long-overdue news, as British Prime Minister Kier Starmer called it in a statement, attracting international attention.

The Israeli and Palestinian people have been affected by the conflict that was sparked by the Hamas terrorists who carried out the deadliest massacre of Jewish people since the Holocaust on October 7th, 2023. The hostages who were taken from their homes and held captive in unimaginable conditions have now been released and can reunite with their families.

"We should pay tribute to those who won't make it home, including the British people murdered by Hamas. We will continue to mourn and remember them."

In a post on X, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the cease-fire must be upheld.

"After 15 months of unjustifiable ordeal, immense relief for the Gazans, hope for the hostages and their families," Macron stated, specifically mentioning Ohad Yahalomi and Ofer Calderon, two French-Israeli hostages.

While some are expressing excitement about the deal, others are warning of its potential failure.

On Wednesday, White House national security communications adviser John Kirby stated that the "major obstacle" - encompassing the finalization of the agreement - had been "surmounted."

Kirby stated that he was confident that the deal would be implemented, even though there would be hard work ahead, and hopefully, families would be reunited this weekend.

Planet Chronicle Digital's Joshua Comins contributed to this report.