World leaders hail Hamas’ response to Trump’s Gaza ceasefire plan
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UN, Egypt, Qatar, and global leaders voice optimism as Hamas agrees to engage with Trump’s Gaza ceasefire plan, raising hopes for an end to the Israeli genocide.
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Mourners attend the funeral of Palestinians killed in an Israeli army strike, outside Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. (AP)
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed optimism after Hamas announced its readiness to release captives and engage constructively with US President Donald Trump’s recent ceasefire proposal, a move widely seen as a positive step toward peace and stability in Gaza.
“I welcome and I am encouraged by the statement issued by Hamas announcing its readiness to release hostages and to engage on the basis of the recent proposal by @POTUS,” Guterres said. He urged all parties to seize the opportunity to end the “tragic conflict in Gaza” and thanked Qatar and Egypt for their mediation efforts.
I welcome and I am encouraged by the statement issued by Hamas announcing its readiness to release hostages and to engage on the basis of the recent proposal by @POTUS. I urge all parties to seize the opportunity to bring the tragic conflict in Gaza to an end.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) October 3, 2025
I also thank…
Guterres reiterated his call for “an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and unfettered humanitarian access,” affirming that the UN will support all efforts to prevent further suffering.
Egypt and Qatar step up mediation
Diplomatic efforts in the region intensified as Egypt and Qatar strengthened their mediation roles following Hamas’ positive response to Trump’s ceasefire plan.
The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed Hamas’ stance, describing it as a sign of Palestinian factions’ commitment to protecting civilians and preventing further bloodshed. Cairo called the response a “notable positive development” and urged all parties to act responsibly to ensure the plan’s implementation. Egypt also reaffirmed its readiness to coordinate with Arab, Islamic, and international partners to secure a lasting truce in Gaza and pave the way for a comprehensive political solution.
An Egyptian diplomatic source told Al Mayadeen that preparations are underway for an inclusive Palestinian dialogue to discuss Gaza’s political future in light of Hamas’ official stance.
Meanwhile, Qatar confirmed that Doha has begun consultations with Egypt and the United States to advance negotiations aimed at ending the war. The Qatari Foreign Ministry described Hamas’ response as “an encouraging step toward a just and enduring peace” and reaffirmed Doha’s ongoing commitment to mediation.
Erdogan calls for an immediate halt to aggression
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan described Hamas’ reply as a “constructive and meaningful step” that could mark the start of a genuine peace process.
“It is time for Israel to immediately halt its aggression and comply with the terms of the plan without hesitation,” Erdogan said, stressing the urgency of delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza and ending what he called “a genocide and a disgrace that wounds the conscience of humanity.”
Erdogan emphasized that halting the assault and engaging in serious, results-oriented negotiations are the only paths toward stability. He also reaffirmed that the talks should serve the Palestinian people’s rights and aspirations, noting that the 'two-state' solution remains the only just and lasting formula for peace.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry echoed this position, urging "Israel" to cease attacks and begin “genuine negotiations” to facilitate relief operations and restore calm in Gaza.
European leaders pledge support
French President Emmanuel Macron pledged France’s full backing of international peace efforts following Hamas’ response.
“We now have the opportunity to make decisive progress towards peace,” Macron wrote on X. He affirmed that "France will play its full part".
The release of all hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza are within reach!
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) October 3, 2025
Hamas' commitment must be followed up without delay.
We now have the opportunity to make decisive progress towards peace.
France will play its full part…
In a similar vein, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described Hamas’ response as the “best chance for peace” in nearly two years. “The release of the hostages and peace for Gaza are within reach. Hamas, too, has now agreed to President Trump’s peace plan in principle,” Merz said. He added that Germany “fully supports” Trump’s appeal and will continue engaging, stressing that “the hostages must be released. Hamas must disarm. The fighting must cease immediately.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also welcomed Hamas’ response, calling the potential prisoner release “a significant step forward” and reaffirming India’s commitment to sustained diplomatic efforts aimed at ending civilian suffering and restoring regional stability.
Global leaders welcome Hamas’ announcement
Leaders from Italy, Ireland, Australia, and Canada praised Hamas’ agreement with Trump’s plan as a crucial step toward ending the war on Gaza.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stressed that “the priority for everyone now must be to reach a ceasefire that leads to the immediate release of all prisoners.”
Furthermore, Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin expressed hope that the development would enable an immediate ceasefire and expanded humanitarian aid.
On his part, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reiterated his country’s support for peace grounded in a two-state solution.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called for the fulfillment of all agreed commitments, highlighting Hamas’ pledge to release captives and promote regional security.
South Africa welcomes Hamas response
On its part, the South African government welcomed Hamas’ decision to release all Israeli captives and its “stated readiness” for further engagement.
“These developments towards peace have the potential to alleviate profound human suffering and build much-needed confidence,” South Africa’s Department of International Relations said in a statement.
“We welcome the decision by Hamas to release all Israeli hostages and its stated readiness for further engagement,” the statement said. “This decision must be met with reciprocal action by the State of Israel.”
The government said that it urges all parties to “transcend this cycle of confrontation and address the roots causes of the conflict.”
'Hamas’ response responsible and flexible'
Mohammed al-Farah, member of Ansar Allah’s Political Bureau, described Hamas’ reaction to the ceasefire plan as “responsible, realistic, and actionable,” demonstrating the movement’s and other factions’ commitment to halting aggression and sparing civilian lives.
Al-Farah added that the response “is open to solutions and demonstrates great flexibility,” while warning that any escalation in Gaza could lead to further suffering, with primary responsibility resting on the United States and Israel.
This is happening as the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas announced on Friday that it had delivered its official response to the Gaza plan proposed by US President Donald Trump, following extensive consultations with its leadership bodies, other Palestinian factions, and international mediators.
In its statement, Hamas said it appreciated Arab, Islamic, and international efforts, including those of President Trump, aimed at halting the war on Gaza, ensuring the entry of humanitarian aid, preventing the displacement of Palestinians, and rejecting the occupation of the Strip.
The movement declared its approval of a framework for a prisoner exchange deal, agreeing to release all Israeli captives, both living and deceased, in line with the formula proposed by Trump, once conditions on the ground permit the process. Hamas confirmed its readiness to immediately enter negotiations through mediators to finalize the details.
