Following Hamas’ positive response to the U.S.-proposed ceasefire plan for Gaza, world leaders have reacted to the development.
The international community welcomed Hamas’ declaration that it accepts key parts of Trump’s 20-point peace plan, while noting that some points require further negotiation.
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged, “I call on all parties to seize this opportunity to end this tragic conflict in Gaza.”
- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan described Hamas’ acceptance as “a constructive and significant step toward achieving lasting peace.”
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized, “The release of hostages and peace for Gaza are now achievable… After nearly two years, this is the best opportunity for peace.”
- French President Emmanuel Macron stated, “The release of all hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza are within reach! Hamas’ commitment must immediately be followed by action.”
- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said, “Everyone’s priority now should be achieving a ceasefire that leads to the immediate release of all hostages. Italy remains ready to contribute.”
- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney added, “We encourage all parties to immediately work to turn this commitment into reality.”
- UK Leader Sir Keir Starmer described Hamas’ partial acceptance as “an important step forward,” calling for a “swift agreement so that hostages can return home and humanitarian aid reaches those in urgent need.”
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump called it “a great day for the Middle East”:
“Based on Hamas’ statement, I believe they are ready for permanent peace. Israel must immediately stop bombing Gaza so that we can safely and quickly rescue the hostages! It is currently too dangerous to do this. We are already negotiating the details. This is not just about Gaza, it is about the long-awaited peace in the Middle East.”
Hamas issued its official statement on Friday evening, hours after Trump set a deadline of Sunday 6:00 PM Washington time for acceptance of the peace plan, warning that failure would lead to “unprecedented hell.”
The movement stated that, after extensive consultations with its leadership, Palestinian factions, mediators, and “friendly states,” it decided to accept the key points of the proposal.
Hamas emphasized that it values international efforts, including Trump’s initiative, aiming to:
- End the conflict
- Facilitate the exchange of prisoners
- Ensure urgent humanitarian aid
- Stop occupation
- Halt the displacement of the Palestinian people
