Loading Now

‘Ceasefire, hostage release within reach’: World leaders hail Trump’s Gaza peace plan after Hamas signals acceptance

‘Ceasefire, hostage release within reach’: World leaders hail Trump’s Gaza peace plan after Hamas signals acceptance
World

‘Ceasefire, hostage release within reach’: World leaders hail Trump’s Gaza peace plan after Hamas signals acceptance


International reactions poured in after Hamas announced its willingness to accept US President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza, raising hopes of ending the nearly two-year conflict that has devastated the region.

The militant group reportedly said it was ready to release all Israeli hostages – both alive and deceased–and hand over Gaza’s administration to an interim Palestinian technocratic body, in line with Trump’s 20-point peace proposal. The plan includes a temporary governing authority, security guarantees overseen by international forces, and a framework for Gaza’s reconstruction under a newly created “Board of Peace.”

The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a deadly assault on Israel, killing 1,200 people and abducting 251 hostages. Israel responded with air strikes and a ground invasion, leading to the deaths of more than 66,000 Palestinians and leaving much of Gaza in ruins.

Add Zee Business as a Preferred Source

Add Zee Business as a Preferred Source

Also Read: Trump finally brokers end of war? Israel prepares for Gaza peace plan Stage 1 after Hamas vows responsible position 

Trump calls it ‘a very special day’

Reacting to Hamas’s statement, President Trump called the development “unprecedented.” In a video address, he said, “I just want to let you know that this is a very special day. In many ways, it is unprecedented… We are very close to achieving [peace].”

On Truth Social, Trump added, “Based on the statement just issued by Hamas, I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE. Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the hostages out safely and quickly!”

Trump had earlier set a Sunday deadline for Hamas to sign the deal, warning that “all hell will break out” if it failed to do so.

Reactions from mediators 

Qatar, one of the key mediators, “welcomed the announcement by Hamas of its agreement to President Trump’s plan,” with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari reiterating support for an immediate ceasefire.

Egypt said it hoped the “positive development” would lead all parties “to rise to the level of responsibility by committing to implementing President Trump’s plan on the ground and end the war.”

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was “encouraged” by Hamas’s move and urged all sides “to seize the opportunity to bring the tragic conflict in Gaza to an end.”

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan described Hamas’s response as “a constructive and significant step toward achieving lasting peace” and pressed Israel to halt its attacks immediately.

Europe welcomes progress

French President Emmanuel Macron posted on X: “The release of all hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza are within reach!” He said Hamas’s commitment “must be followed up without delay.”

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the plan “the best chance for peace” and pledged Berlin’s full support. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer termed Hamas’s acceptance “a significant step forward” and urged swift implementation.

Israel’s opposition leader Yair Lapid also saw an opening: “Hamas’s response is a genuine opportunity to release the hostages and end the war. Israel should announce it is joining the discussions led by the president to finalise the details of the deal.”

Also Read: Inside Trump’s Gaza Peace Proposal: Hostage release, Hamas disarmament, reconstruction and…

India backs Trump’s leadership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the progress and expressed strong support for Trump’s role. In a post on X, he wrote, “We welcome President Trump’s leadership as peace efforts in Gaza make decisive progress. Indications of the release of hostages mark a significant step forward. India will continue to strongly support all efforts towards a durable and just peace.”

Israel signals readiness

According to the foreign media, Israel’s military leadership held high-level talks following Hamas’s announcement. Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir instructed the IDF “to gear up for the implementation of the first stage of Trump’s plans to free the hostages.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office initially issued a statement pledging “full cooperation” with Trump’s efforts, though it notably omitted Trump’s call for an immediate halt to Israeli bombing. The post was later deleted.

A possible turning point

Hamas’s acceptance of the peace plan has raised cautious optimism around the world, but key details remain to be negotiated. The deal envisions the release of hostages within 72 hours of implementation, amnesty for Hamas members who commit to peace, and safe passage abroad for others.

Whether both sides can sustain momentum toward ending a war that has claimed tens of thousands of lives now depends on swift diplomacy and trust-building in the coming days.



Related Posts

Post Comment

Do Not MIss