European and Middle Eastern leaders have welcomed US President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza, and he has warned Hamas that it must be accepted, the BBC reports.
The plan, endorsed by Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calls for an immediate halt to military operations, while Hamas must release 20 live Israeli hostages within 72 hours and return the remains of the remaining hostages. A Palestinian source close to the peace talks told the BBC that Hamas officials have received the White House plan, which also demands that the militant group renounce any involvement in governing Gaza. At the same time, the plan does not rule out the possibility of a Palestinian state.
Trump called the plan a “historic moment for peace,” while warning that Israel would receive U.S. support to complete the destruction of Hamas if the group did not agree to the peace plan. Netanyahu also said that Israel would finish what it had started if the plan was not implemented. The Palestinian Authority, which governs the Israeli-occupied West Bank, called Trump’s efforts “respectful and determined.” It said in a public statement that it was renewing its commitment to working with the US, neighboring countries and partners to end the fighting in Gaza, achieve adequate humanitarian access for the besieged Palestinians, and release hostages and prisoners.
The foreign ministers of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Turkey, Indonesia and Pakistan said in a joint statement that they welcomed Trump’s leadership and efforts to end the war in Gaza. They said they were ready to work with the US to finalize and implement an agreement that the ministers said
could lead to a two-state solution that would fully integrate Gaza with the West Bank
and allow for the establishment of a Palestinian state.
The plan would begin with a ceasefire. Existing “battle lines” would be frozen until conditions were right for a withdrawal. Hamas would lay down its weapons and destroy tunnels and weapons factories. For every Israeli body, Israel would return the remains of 15 Palestinians.
The plan, created by Trump, would require both sides to agree to immediately provide full aid to Gaza’s civilians. The territory would be temporarily administered by a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee overseen by a new international peace council led by Trump. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair is reported to be among the council members.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also welcomed the plan, saying that everyone is calling on the parties to come together and work with the US administration to implement the peace plan. “Hamas should now agree to the plan and end the misery, by laying down their arms and releasing all remaining hostages,” Starmer said. French President Emmanuel Macron also said France was ready to participate. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said that the initiative for the peace plan could be a turning point, and indicated that Italy is calling on all parties involved to seize the moment and agree to the plan.
Much of the plan focuses on what the US calls an “economic development plan”
for the reconstruction of Gaza, and says Israel will not occupy or annex the Gaza Strip, and the Israeli army will gradually withdraw from Palestinian settlements.
Hamas officials previously told the BBC that the group was ready to explore offers that could end the war in Gaza, but stressed that any deal could only be made if Palestinian interests were protected and the Israeli army withdrew from the territory. Asked about the weapons themselves, the officials said that as long as the occupation continues, the issue of weapons is a “bottom line.”
The peace plan comes just days after Netanyahu condemned Western countries that have recognized Palestinian statehood, saying it sends a message that “killing Jews pays off.” As he went to deliver his speech, a number of politicians walked out of the room.
Read also: Trump: I won’t let Netanyahu annex the West Bank
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