Leaders across the Middle East and Europe have expressed support for a new Gaza peace plan unveiled by former US President Donald Trump, alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The proposal outlines an immediate end to military operations in Gaza. Within 72 hours of agreement, Hamas would be required to release 20 living Israeli hostages and the remains of more than two dozen others believed to have died, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian detainees.
The plan demands that Hamas play no role in governing Gaza, instead leaving administration to a technocratic Palestinian committee under the supervision of an international body called the Board of Peace, to be headed by Trump. Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair has been named as part of this transitional leadership.
The Palestinian Authority welcomed what it described as Trump’s “sincere and determined” efforts, pledging to work with the US, regional states, and partners to deliver humanitarian aid and ensure the release of prisoners.
In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Indonesia, and Pakistan praised Trump’s “leadership” and said they were ready to cooperate toward a two-state solution. European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, also welcomed the initiative.
The plan includes economic reconstruction for Gaza, promises that Israel will not annex or occupy the territory, and stages for Israeli troop withdrawal. Importantly, it leaves the door open to a future Palestinian state, fully integrated with the West Bank.
However, Hamas officials signaled caution, insisting that any deal must guarantee a full Israeli withdrawal and safeguard Palestinian rights. A Hamas representative told the BBC that the group’s weapons remain a “red line” unless a political solution ensures an independent Palestinian state based on 1967 borders.
As Trump described it, the proposal represents “a historic day for peace.” Yet its success hinges on whether Hamas agrees to the conditions, or whether Israel moves forward with Netanyahu’s vow to “finish the job” if talks collapse.
