European Leaders Rally for Peace in Israel-Gaza Conflict
European leaders have quickly aligned with U.S. President Donald Trump in advocating for peace between Israel and Gaza, urging Hamas to accept Washington’s proposal without delay.
On Monday, the White House presented a 20-point plan aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. In this plan, Hamas would release the remaining hostages, disarm, and hand over control of Gaza. In exchange, Israel would cease military operations in the region and free around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
If implemented, this framework would establish a transitional government backed by the West, potentially led by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and would set the stage for the eventual formation of a Palestinian state.
While Israel has swiftly agreed to the terms, Hamas has indicated it requires time to evaluate the proposal. European leaders have expressed support for President Trump’s stance, encouraging Muslim factions to embrace the peace agreement.
German Prime Minister Friedrich Merz praised President Trump for his dedication to achieving peace, calling the proposed deal “the best chance yet to end the war.” Merz urged Hamas to comply and facilitate the process toward peace, stating that Germany is prepared to offer political support and aid in rebuilding the area.
French President Emmanuel Macron, who had previously declared Palestine a nation, also applauded the Trump administration’s efforts. He expressed hope that Israel would firmly engage with the proposal, reinforcing it with his own commitment to ending hostilities and securing the release of hostages.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who recognized Palestine, echoed a similar sentiment, expressing gratitude for President Trump’s leadership in pushing the initiative to conclude the war. He underscored the urgency of ensuring humanitarian support reaches the people of Gaza while calling on all parties, especially Hamas, to work collaboratively toward this agreement.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who had acknowledged Palestine before hostages were set free, suggested that this moment could signal a shift in the ongoing violence. She described the need for a permanent cessation of hostilities, the immediate release of all hostages, and assured access to humanitarian aid.
Meloni also emphasized Italy’s commitment to coordinate closely with the U.S., European allies, and regional partners, thanking President Trump for his mediating efforts in the Middle East. She urged all parties to seize the moment and follow the proposed plan, particularly calling on Hamas, which initiated the conflict with the deadly attacks on October 7, to facilitate peace by relinquishing hostages and understanding the implications of their future actions in Gaza.
Despite the global endorsement of the proposed arrangement, skepticism remains regarding whether Hamas, which has governed Gaza for almost two decades and was responsible for the heinous attacks on October 7, will be willing to relinquish its control over the territory.
