After Hamas signalled its acceptance of key parts of US President Donald Trump’s peace plan on Friday, international reactions started pouring in. The plan aims to free Israeli hostages in Gaza and bring an end to the nearly two-year conflict.
Trump, in a Truth Social post, said: “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!” He also added in a video that “everybody will be treated fairly” in talks over Gaza’s future.
Israel prepares for peace plan implementation
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that Israel is ready to implement the first stage of Trump’s plan. This focuses on the release of hostages. The statement further added that Israel is committed to working closely with Trump and his team to end the war. “We will continue to work in full cooperation with the President and his team to end the war in accordance with the principles set out by Israel, which align with President Trump’s vision.”
Meanwhile, the Israeli military has been instructed to reduce operations in Gaza to a “minimum” and focus only on defensive actions as part of preparations to carry out the plan.
India supports Gaza peace efforts
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Trump’s leadership in the peace process: “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.”
Support from Middle Eastern countries
Qatar welcomed Hamas’ announcement: “We welcome the announcement by Hamas of its agreement to President Trump’s plan,” said foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari, supporting Trump’s call for an immediate ceasefire.
Egypt also expressed hope: “This positive development will 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,” Egypt’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called Hamas’ reply to US President Donald Trump’s Gaza ceasefire plan, “Constructive and a significant step toward achieving lasting peace.” He also urged Israel to end its genocide in Gaza.
In a separate statement, Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry said Hamas’ response could: “Enable the urgent establishment of a ceasefire in Gaza, the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid to the region, and the steps needed to achieve lasting peace.”
UN welcomes Hamas statement, world leaders react
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed Hamas’ announcement. His spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, said: “The UN chief urges all parties to seize the opportunity to bring the tragic conflict in Gaza to an end.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called Hamas’ response a significant step. “I strongly support President Trump’s efforts, which have brought us closer to peace than ever before. There is now an opportunity to end the fighting, for hostages to return home, and for humanitarian aid to reach those who so desperately need it.” Starmer also added, “The UK, alongside its partners, stands ready to support further negotiations and to work towards sustainable peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike.” “I urge all sides to implement the agreement without delay.”
Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim said, “The peace plan presented by the United States is not perfect, and we even disagree with much of it. However, our current priority is to save the lives of the Palestinian people. The endorsement by Arab and Islamic countries is not a sign of agreement with everything outlined in that plan, but a collective step to halt the bloodshed, reject expulsion, and give the people of Gaza the opportunity to return to their homeland.”
French President Emmanuel Macron said: “France will play its full part in line with its efforts at the United Nations, alongside the United States, Israelis and Palestinians, and all of its international partners.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reacted to the news and tweeted, “I follow with great attention the developments in Gaza and renew my full support for President Trump’s efforts to bring peace to the Middle East.” She added, “The priority should be securing a ceasefire in Gaza. Italy remains ready to do its part.”
Ireland’s Prime Minister Micheal Martin said: “There is an opportunity now to create the circumstances for a lasting peace and I urge all parties to take it.” Further expressing hope, he added, “The Palestinian group’s response will open the way for an immediate ceasefire and the surging of aid into Gaza.”