ISLAMABAD: Global leaders and international organizations have reacted to Hamas’s positive response on Friday to U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan aimed at securing the release of Israeli hostages and ending the nearly two-year-long war in Gaza.
Here’s a look at the major international responses:
🇺🇸 United States
President Donald Trump welcomed Hamas’s response but warned against delays.
“Hamas must move quickly, or else all bets will be off. I will not tolerate delay,” Trump posted on Truth Social on Saturday.
“Let’s get this done, FAST.”
On Friday, Trump had praised Israel’s decision to “temporarily stop the bombing,” but Israeli authorities said Saturday their military offensive in Gaza was continuing.
🇮🇱 Israel
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office acknowledged Hamas’s response and confirmed readiness to move forward with the first phase of Trump’s peace plan.
“In light of Hamas’s response, Israel is preparing for the immediate implementation of the first stage of the Trump plan for the release of all the hostages.”
“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.”
🤝 Mediating Countries
Qatar: Foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari welcomed Hamas’s announcement and reiterated support for Trump’s call for an immediate ceasefire.
Egypt: Cairo called the development “positive” and urged all parties to implement Trump’s plan responsibly and work towards ending the conflict.
🇺🇳 United Nations
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed Hamas’s response and urged all sides to act.
“He urges all parties to seize the opportunity to bring the tragic conflict in Gaza to an end,” said spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk added:
“This is a vital opportunity for all parties and influential states to pursue in good faith… to stop — once and for all — the carnage and the suffering in Gaza, to flood the strip with humanitarian aid, and to ensure the release of the hostages and numerous detained Palestinians.”
🇪🇺 Europe
France: President Emmanuel Macron expressed optimism.
“The release of all hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza are within reach!” he posted on X.
Germany: Chancellor Friedrich Merz called Trump’s plan “the best chance for peace” and said Berlin “fully supports” his call on both sides.
United Kingdom: Prime Minister Keir Starmer called Hamas’s move “a significant step forward” and urged immediate implementation of the agreement.
🇹🇷 Turkey
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Hamas had once again demonstrated its readiness for peace.
The Turkish foreign ministry added that the response “provides an opportunity for the immediate establishment of a ceasefire in Gaza.”
🇯🇴 Jordan
Jordan’s foreign ministry also welcomed Hamas’s response, calling for:
An immediate end to Israeli military operations
The opening of border crossings for urgent and sustained humanitarian aid
A genuine push toward a just and lasting peace in the region