World leaders have welcomed Hamas’s reply to U.S. President Donald Trump’s Gaza ceasefire proposal, with several calling it a rare opportunity to end fighting and secure the release of hostages.

The United States drives the initiative
U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed Hamas’s reply to his peace plan, calling it “a very special day” and thanking regional partners for their mediation. He said the agreement could bring hostages home and deliver peace in the Middle East, stressing that “everybody was unified in wanting this conflict to end.”

Israel prepares to implement the first stage
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office said the country is preparing to implement the first stage of Trump’s plan, which calls for the immediate release of hostages held in Gaza. The statement noted that Israel would continue working with Trump and his team “to end the war in line with the principles put forward by Israel and compatible with Trump’s vision.” Israeli media also reported that the army has been instructed to scale back bombardments in Gaza as talks are expected to begin soon.

Israel’s opposition leader supports the implementation
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid, head of the Yesh Atid party, voiced support for Trump’s Gaza plan, calling it “an unprecedented opportunity” to end hostilities and free hostages. Writing on X, he said Israel should announce its participation in negotiations led by Trump to finalise the agreement’s details, urging the government not to miss a chance for progress.

Qatar steps up mediation
Qatar’s foreign ministry said it has begun coordination with Egypt and the United States to advance Trump’s Gaza plan, welcoming Hamas’s response as a step that could lead to an end to the conflict. Doha reaffirmed its role as a mediator and stressed the need to keep talks moving to achieve a ceasefire and ensure humanitarian access to the enclave.

Germany backs Trump’s initiative
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described Hamas’s statement as the “best chance for peace” in nearly two years, urging the immediate release of hostages, the disarmament of Hamas and a halt to the fighting. He said Germany fully backs Trump’s initiative and will continue to engage diplomatically, stressing that all parties must act quickly to turn commitments into reality.

UK hails a ‘significant step forward’
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called Hamas’s acceptance of Trump’s plan a “significant step forward,” saying it creates a real opportunity to end the fighting, return hostages and expand humanitarian relief. He urged the parties to implement the agreement “without delay” and said the UK, alongside its partners, stands ready to support negotiations and work toward lasting peace for both Israelis and Palestinians.

Türkiye calls for an immediate ceasefire
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged Israel to “immediately” halt attacks and comply with Trump’s plan, describing Hamas’s response as a “constructive and significant step” toward lasting peace. He said Türkiye would continue to work with all its means to secure an outcome beneficial to Palestinians and stressed the importance of aid access, a two-state solution and an end to what he called a “disgraceful picture” that has shocked the global conscience.

Ireland urges seizing the opportunity
Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin said Hamas’s response “could lead to lasting peace,” urging all parties to seize the opportunity to secure a ceasefire and allow urgent aid into Gaza. He described Hamas’s pledge to release hostages as “welcome news” for families and voiced hope that the move would create conditions for a durable settlement supported by international partners.

Italy reaffirms full support
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she is following developments “with great attention” and reaffirmed her “full support” for Trump’s peace plan, stressing that the immediate priority must be securing a ceasefire. She said “Italy remains ready to do its part” in helping to advance peace efforts in the region and reiterated backing for U.S.-led mediation to end the conflict.

Canada calls for unimpeded aid
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed Hamas’s response, praising Trump’s “essential leadership” and emphasising Canada’s support for “sustained, unimpeded, and large-scale” aid deliveries into Gaza. He said Canada is intensifying coordination with international partners to build a just and lasting peace, while reaffirming his country’s backing for a sovereign Palestinian state coexisting in peace and security with Israel.

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