5 days ago
Last Updated:October 04, 2025, 07:43 IST
Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer thanked Donald Trump and his team for their efforts to end Gaza war.
Palestinians wait to receive food from a charity kitchen, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip. (IMAGE: REUTERS)
France’s Emmanuel Macron, Qatari Prime Minister Al-Thani, UK PM Keir Starmer and UN Chief Antonio Guterres welcomed the announcement by Hamas of its agreement to US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan.
Macron in a social media post made on Saturday shortly after the Palestinian militant group accepted some parts of the proposal thanked the Trump administration and pointed out that a ceasefire in Gaza and release of all hostages are now within reach.
“The release of all hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza are within reach! Hamas’ commitment must be followed up without delay. We now have the opportunity to make decisive progress towards peace," Macron said.
“The State of Qatar welcomes the announcement by Hamas of its agreement to President Trump’s plan, and its readiness to release all hostages as part of the exchange framework outlined in the plan," said Majed Al-Ansari, advisor to the Qatari Prime Minister, said in a social media post.
“There is now an opportunity to end the fighting, for the hostages to return home, and for humanitarian aid to reach those who so desperately need it. We call on all sides to implement the agreement without delay," said UK PM Keir Starmer.
However, France, Qatar and the UK outlined in their statement that they will play their part to ensure lasting peace for both Israelis and Palestinians, signalling that they are keen to be a part of discussions.
The United Nations also welcomed Hamas’ move and thanked US President Trump.
“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," UN Chief Antonio Guterres said.
He also urged all parties to seize the opportunity to bring the conflict in Gaza to an end and thanked Qatar and Egypt for their mediation efforts.
The war was triggered by Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli official figures.
Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed at least 66,288 Palestinians, according to health ministry figures in the Hamas-run territory that the United Nations considers reliable. Both figures were accessed by news agency AFP.
Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev...Read More
Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev...
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First Published:
October 04, 2025, 07:43 IST
News world ‘Gaza Ceasefire, Hostage Release Within Reach’: World Leaders Laud Trump’s Commitment To Peace
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