Global Leaders React to Hamas Accepting Trump's Gaza Hostage Release and Ceasefire Plan

Palestinians fleeing northern Gaza due to Israeli military operation in central Gaza Strip on Wednesday.

Global leaders have issued statements following Hamas's affirmative response on Friday to US President Donald Trump's proposal aimed at securing the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza and ending the nearly two-year conflict.

Here is how key international figures have reacted:

United States President Trump posted on Truth Social: "Based on the Statement just issued by Hamas, I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE. Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly!" In a subsequent brief video message, he assured that "everybody will be treated fairly" in negotiations regarding Gaza's future.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office stated: "In light of Hamas's response, Israel is preparing for the immediate implementation of the first stage of the Trump plan for the release of all the hostages." The statement added, "We will continue to work in full cooperation with the President and his team to end the war in accordance with the principles set out by Israel, which align with President Trump's vision."

Qatar's foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari expressed that Qatar "welcomes the announcement by Hamas of its agreement to President Trump's plan," while also voicing support for Trump's call for an immediate ceasefire.

Egypt issued a statement hoping "this positive development will lead all parties to rise to the level of responsibility by committing to implementing President Trump's plan on the ground and end the war".

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, through his spokesman Stephane Dujarric, stated he "welcomes and is encouraged by the statement issued by Hamas announcing its readiness to release hostages and to engage." The UN statement urged "all parties to seize the opportunity to bring the tragic conflict in Gaza to an end."

French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on X: "The release of all hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza are within reach!" He added that "Hamas' commitment must be followed up without delay" and that France "will play its full part" in peace efforts.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz indicated that the plan represented "the best chance for peace" in the conflict and that Germany "fully supports" Trump's "call upon both sides".

Britain's Keir Starmer described Hamas's acceptance as "a significant step forwards" and urged all parties "to implement the agreement without delay".

Turkey's foreign ministry stated that the Palestinian group's response "provides an opportunity for the immediate establishment of a ceasefire in Gaza".