In a move that could mark a turning point in the long-standing conflict in the Middle East, global leaders have welcomed Hamas’s announcement to release all Israeli hostages and support a new peace initiative proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Hamas confirmed on Friday that it had submitted its response to President Trump’s Gaza peace plan through regional and international mediators. The group said it agreed in principle to free all Israeli hostages, both living and deceased, and to transfer Gaza’s administration to a Palestinian body of independent technocrats. This body would be for

In a move that could mark a turning point in the long-standing conflict in the Middle East, global leaders have welcomed Hamas’s announcement to release all Israeli hostages and support a new peace initiative proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Hamas confirmed on Friday that it had submitted its response to President Trump’s Gaza peace plan through regional and international mediators. The group said it agreed in principle to free all Israeli hostages, both living and deceased, and to transfer Gaza’s administration to a Palestinian body of independent technocrats. This body would be formed through national consensus and supported by Arab and Islamic nations. Following the announcement, several world leaders expressed optimism that this step could pave the way toward lasting peace. President Trump, writing on Truth Social, said the development showed Hamas’s readiness for peace. “Based on the statement just issued by Hamas, I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE,” he said, calling on Israel to stop its bombing of Gaza. “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.” French President Emmanuel Macron also welcomed the move, saying that a ceasefire and the release of all hostages are now within reach. “Hamas’ commitment must be followed up without delay. We now have the opportunity to make decisive progress towards peace,” Macron wrote on X. He added that France would continue to support peace efforts at the United Nations and work alongside the United States, Israel, Palestine, and other international partners. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised Hamas’s decision and urged all sides to seize the moment to end the suffering in Gaza. “I reiterate my consistent call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and unfettered humanitarian access,” he said, thanking Qatar and Egypt for their mediation efforts. Other world leaders also expressed hope that the time had come to believe in lasting peace across the Middle East. The announcement comes nearly two years after the October 7, 2023 attack, when Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups launched a large-scale assault from Gaza into southern Israel. The attack killed around 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and triggered months of deadly conflict. With Hamas now signaling a willingness to cooperate on a peace framework, the international community is watching closely  hopeful that this moment could finally open a path toward stability and reconciliation in the region.

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