Brussels: Global leaders have expressed cautious optimism following Hamas’ announcement that it is willing to immediately enter negotiations for the release of all hostages under US President Donald Trump’s 20-point ceasefire plan for Gaza. The development has been hailed by diplomats and international officials as a potential turning point in the two-year-long conflict.
Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, described the moment as a “vital opportunity” to end the “carnage and the suffering in Gaza” while also facilitating the release of both Israeli hostages and detained Palestinians. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres echoed this sentiment, welcoming Hamas’ response and calling it an encouraging step toward ending hostilities and restoring hope in the region.
Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of UNRWA, noted that the current momentum could pave the way not only for an immediate ceasefire but also for long-term solutions addressing the decades-long conflict in Gaza and the broader Israeli-Palestinian crisis.
European officials highlighted the significance of Hamas’ willingness to negotiate while urging swift implementation of the ceasefire plan. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the group’s “stated readiness” to release hostages as encouraging, signaling support for diplomatic engagement.
French President Emmanuel Macron said the development shows that a hostage release and ceasefire are within reach, urging that follow-up measures occur “without delay.” Similarly, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the announcement “the best chance for peace” and stressed that immediate action is necessary to seize the opportunity for a sustainable resolution.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer characterized Hamas’ partial acceptance of Trump’s plan as a “significant step forward” and called on all parties to implement the agreement promptly.
From the region, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the ceasefire proposal and expressed support for Hamas’ response, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and negotiation. Israeli opposition leader Yair Golan, from the left-wing Democrats Party, stressed that the primary task ahead is to ensure Trump’s 20-point plan is not sabotaged by either Hamas or Israel’s current government underscoring the delicate political and security balance required for successful implementation.
The collective reaction from world leaders reflects a rare alignment of optimism and caution. While the ceasefire proposal still faces challenges including full Hamas compliance and Israel’s operational coordination international actors see it as a critical window to halt further bloodshed and restore a framework for negotiation.
With Hamas preparing to send a delegation to Cairo for talks and Israel readying its negotiating team, the coming days could define whether the latest diplomatic opening leads to a lasting ceasefire or further complications in the conflict.