 "Hamas accepted part of US President Donald Trump’s ultimatum to end the war, prompting him to call on Israel to 'immediately' halt its bombardment of Gaza. (Image credit: AFP)")
International reactions followed swiftly on Friday after Hamas welcomed US President Donald Trump’s proposal to secure the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza and end nearly two years of fighting. The group also announced its readiness to surrender governing authority in the Gaza Strip, though it called for further talks on other parts of the plan and did not confirm whether it would lay down its arms, a central element of the proposal unveiled on Monday.
Global response
In Washington, President Trump wrote on Truth Social that Hamas appeared “ready for a lasting peace” and urged Israel to stop airstrikes to allow hostages to be released quickly. He later added in a video message that “everybody will be treated fairly” in negotiations on Gaza’s future.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the country was preparing to immediately implement the first stage of the plan concerning the release of hostages. The statement emphasised that Israel would act in line with both its own principles and the US president’s vision.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X to praise the ‘decisive progress,’ writing, “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.”
Qatar welcomed Hamas’s announcement, echoing Trump’s call for an immediate ceasefire, while Egypt expressed hope that the move would encourage all parties to commit to implementing the plan and ending the conflict.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsAt the United Nations, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised Hamas’s statement as encouraging and urged all sides to seize the chance to end the war in Gaza.
European leaders also voiced support. French President Emmanuel Macron wrote that a ceasefire and hostage release were “within reach”, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the plan as “the best chance for peace”. Britain’s Keir Starmer called Hamas’s response “a significant step forwards” and pressed for swift implementation. Turkey’s foreign ministry said the development provided “an opportunity for the immediate establishment of a ceasefire in Gaza”.