Russia cautiously welcomes Israel and Hamas Gaza Ceasefire backed by Trump’s peace plan

The Kremlin expressed cautious approval on Thursday regarding the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, emphasizing that the true test lies in how the deal will be carried out. The agreement represents the first part of U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to bring peace to Gaza and marks a hopeful step toward ending the conflict that has unsettled the Middle East for two years. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, said Russia welcomes the ceasefire and hopes the deal will be officially signed and implemented without delay.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke on Monday about the Middle East situation, including Trump’s Gaza peace proposal. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov described Trump’s plan as the best option currently available and expressed hope it could move the situation forward, although he noted its mention of Palestinian statehood was vague and excluded the West Bank. Lavrov criticized Western countries for their role in delaying United Nations resolutions related to Palestinian statehood. He argued that the unresolved issue of Palestine, which has persisted for nearly eight decades, continues to drive extremism in the area.

The deal, brokered through indirect negotiations in Egypt, expects hostilities to end, Israeli forces to withdraw, and the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners. It also allows humanitarian aid to enter Gaza to support civilians amid widespread devastation. While the ceasefire has been broadly praised as a positive development, concerns remain over how fully the agreement will be enacted and the future steps within Trump’s broader peace plan. The Gaza conflict has caused immense suffering, with numerous lives lost and extensive destruction throughout the region.