Image Credentials: Image Title: World Reacts to Hamas Response to Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan Source: (sora.openai) Date: September 2025. Attribution: Created using AI-generated imagery (sora.openai), this does not depict a real-world scene.
Benjamin Foster | Staff Writer with Agencies
Global leaders have reacted with cautious optimism after Hamas issued a statement on Friday welcoming key elements of US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace proposal, including the immediate release of all Israeli hostages held by the group. The announcement, which came just hours before a deadline set by Mr Trump, raised hopes for a potential end to nearly two years of devastating conflict in Gaza.
Following Hamas’s response, President Trump declared that he believes the militant group is ready for peace. “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 wrote on Truth Social. In a video message later that day, Trump added that “everybody will be treated fairly” in future talks regarding Gaza’s political and humanitarian future.
Hamas Accepts Key Terms, Requests Negotiations on Others
In its official statement, Hamas said it agreed to release all Israeli hostages captured during its October 7, 2023, attack, describing the decision as part of a “responsible position” following extensive consultations within its leadership, other Palestinian factions, and regional mediators. The group emphasized that while it accepts the principle of releasing hostages, other aspects of Trump’s 20-point peace plan would require further negotiation.
The organization also stated that it cannot fulfill Trump’s demand to release all hostages within 72 hours, citing logistical and security concerns. Hamas expressed appreciation for Trump’s diplomatic efforts and reaffirmed its commitment to resolving the conflict through political dialogue, but insisted that the future of Gaza must be determined by “national consensus” and guided by international law.
Israel Prepares for Hostage Release
The Israeli government confirmed that it is preparing for the immediate implementation of the first phase of Trump’s plan, which focuses on securing the release of all hostages. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that Israel “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.”
The statement notably omitted any reference to Trump’s call for an immediate halt to Israeli strikes in Gaza. Despite being issued during the Sabbath, when many Israeli officials typically refrain from work, the government’s response was met with widespread attention and a mix of praise and caution from across Israel’s political spectrum.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid called Trump’s initiative “a rare opportunity to release the hostages and end the war” and urged the government to join the negotiations without delay. Meanwhile, Einav Zangauker, the mother of hostage Matan Zangauker and a prominent critic of Netanyahu, shared Trump’s statement on social media with the caption, “Did you choose Netanyahu?” A vocal advocate for the hostage families, she has become a leading figure in Israel’s growing movement for their release.
Yair Golan of the Democratic Party also warned that neither Hamas nor Netanyahu should be allowed to “sabotage Trump’s agreement,” highlighting deep political divisions within Israel over how to respond.
Regional Mediators Welcome Breakthrough
Qatar and Egypt, two key mediators in past ceasefire negotiations, welcomed Hamas’s statement and praised Trump’s role in renewing diplomatic efforts. Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari said that Doha “welcomes the announcement by Hamas of its agreement to President Trump’s plan” and supported his call for an immediate ceasefire.
Egypt’s government echoed the sentiment, urging “all parties to rise to the level of responsibility by committing to implementing President Trump’s plan on the ground and ending the war.” Both nations have been instrumental in facilitating communication between Hamas and Western diplomats throughout the conflict.
Global Leaders Applaud Potential Breakthrough
The international response to Hamas’s announcement was overwhelmingly positive. UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the development, saying through his spokesman that he was “encouraged by the statement issued by Hamas announcing its readiness to release hostages and to engage.” Guterres urged all sides “to seize the opportunity to bring the tragic conflict in Gaza to an end.”
European leaders also reacted favorably. French President Emmanuel Macron posted on X that “the release of all hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza are within reach!” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described Trump’s proposal as “the best chance for peace” and confirmed that Berlin “fully supports the President’s call upon both sides.” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called Hamas’s acceptance “a significant step forward” and urged both parties “to implement the agreement without delay.” Turkey’s Foreign Ministry issued a similar statement, saying Hamas’s response “provides an opportunity for the immediate establishment of a ceasefire in Gaza.”
A Fragile Path Toward Peace
While the global reaction has been largely optimistic, diplomats and analysts caution that significant challenges remain. Questions linger over the practical implementation of Trump’s plan, particularly regarding the timeline for hostage releases, the future governance of Gaza, and the reconstruction of the enclave.
Still, for the first time in months, there is a tangible sense of momentum toward ending one of the world’s most entrenched conflicts. As negotiations move forward, the world watches closely, hoping that this fragile opportunity can be transformed into lasting peace for both Israelis and Palestinians.