World leaders and Arab nations react to Trump’s Gaza plan

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
30 Sep 2025 06:25

Eight Arab and Muslim nations, along with France, the PA, and Tony Blair, welcomed Trump’s Gaza plan.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shakes hands with United States President Donald Trump after a news conference in the State Dining Room of the White House, on September 29, 2025, in Washington. (AP)

Eight Arab and Muslim nations — Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Turkiye, Indonesia, and Pakistan — issued a joint statement Tuesday welcoming US President Donald Trump’s newly announced plan to end the war in Gaza.

The countries said they “welcome the role of the American president and his sincere efforts aimed at ending the war in Gaza” and pledged to “engage positively and constructively with the United States and the parties toward finalising the agreement and ensuring its implementation.”

France's Macron praises Trump

French President Emmanuel Macron also praised Trump’s “commitment” to resolving the conflict, urging Hamas to release all hostages and calling on Israel to “commit resolutely” to the initiative.

Tony Blair to join 'Board of Peace'

Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair hailed the plan as “bold and intelligent,” arguing it could relieve Gaza’s population while ensuring Israel’s long-term security. Blair is expected to join a transitional “Board of Peace” for Gaza, which Trump has said he will chair.

Palestinian Authority wlecomes US efforts

The Palestinian Authority likewise welcomed Trump’s “sincere and determined efforts,” expressing confidence in his capacity to steer the conflict toward peace.

Key provisions of the plan

Unveiled Monday at the White House with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in attendance, the 20-point proposal outlines a phased ceasefire and a framework for Gaza’s future governance.

The plan calls for:

An immediate ceasefire and the release of all Israeli captives held by Hamas.
The disarmament of Hamas and exclusion of the group from any political or administrative role in Gaza.
A gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territory.
Deployment of a temporary international stabilization force.
Establishment of a transitional authority chaired by Trump himself, alongside foreign leaders, to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction and security.
The US president also envisions Gaza being rebuilt into a thriving economic hub, with large-scale redevelopment projects and foreign investment.

Palestinians skeptic of Trump's plan

On the ground, reactions in Gaza reflected deep mistrust. Many displaced residents said the plan was detached from reality and failed to address Palestinian rights.

“It’s clear that this plan is unrealistic,” Ibrahim Joudeh, a 39-year-old computer programmer displaced from Rafah told AFP.

Another displaced resident, Abu Mazen Nassar, described the initiative as manipulation. “What does it mean to hand over all the prisoners without official guarantees to end the war? We as a people will not accept this farce.”

While some expressed cautious optimism, others had lost hope altogether. “If there was a real intention to stop the war, they wouldn’t have waited this long,” said Najwa Muslim, a homemaker from Gaza City. “That’s why I don’t believe any of their words.”