The world offered cautious responses on Friday after Hamas declared it was ready to release hostages and accept parts of President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan — a move seen as both significant and uncertain.
Here’s how world leaders and international institutions reacted to Hamas’s statement:
UNITED STATES
President Donald Trump welcomed Hamas’ response to his ceasefire proposal for the Gaza conflict on Friday, turning pressure on Israel to accept a ceasefire.
Taking to his Truth Social, Trump said, “he believes Hamas is ready “for a lasting PEACE” before calling on Israel to end its bombing of the enclave. “Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the hostages out safely and quickly! Right now, it’s far too dangerous to do that,” he furthered.
He also noted that talks had already started on points that need resolution: “We are already in discussions on details to be worked out. This is not about Gaza alone, this is about long sought PEACE in the Middle East.” Trump’s message shifted the spotlight toward the condition of hostages and pushed for a broad-based agreement.
FRANCE
French President Emmanuel Macron was quick in responding to Hamas’ declaration, saying that the release of Israeli captives and a Gaza ceasefire “are within reach.”
“We now have the opportunity to make decisive progress towards peace,” the French president wrote in a social media post, thanking Trump for his efforts.
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.
France will play its full part— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) October 3, 2025
“France will play its full part in line with its efforts at the United Nations, alongside the United States, Israelis and Palestinians, and all of its international partners,” Macron continued.
UNITED NATIONS
The United Nations chief, Antonio Guterres, urges all parties to ‘bring the tragic conflict in Gaza to an end’ as he welcomes Hamas’s response to Trump’s peace plan for Gaza, his spokesperson said, while thanking Qatar and Egypt for their mediation.
In a statement, Stephane Dujarric asserted that Guterres also reiterated his call “for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and unfettered humanitarian access”.
“The United Nations will support all efforts toward these objectives to prevent even more suffering,” Dujarric said.
UNITED KINGDOM
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has also reacted to Hamas’ acceptance of the US peace plan, calling it “a significant step.” “Hamas’ acceptance of the US peace plan is a significant step forward,” Starmer wrote on X.
Hamas’ acceptance of the US peace plan is a significant step forwards. pic.twitter.com/Gj1MprCem3— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) October 3, 2025
QATAR
Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson took to his social media platform to welcome Hamas’ announcement to agree to Trump’s peace plan. He said that Qatar has begun coordination with mediator Egypt and the United States to continue talks on US President Donald Trump’s Gaza plan to reach an end to the war.
“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,” the Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson said on X.
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.
We also affirm our support for the statements made by the President calling for an— . Dr. Majed Al Ansari (@majedalansari) October 3, 2025
“We also affirm our support for the statements made by the President calling for an immediate ceasefire to facilitate the safe and swift release of hostages, and to achieve rapid results that would put an end to the bloodshed of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip,” he continued.
– Ends
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