Eight Arab and Muslim majority nations have joined European powers in supporting US President Donald Trump’s plan to end the war in Gaza.
The countries, including Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey, welcomed Trump’s efforts in a joint statement, affirming their readiness to engage positively and constructively with the US and other parties to finalize the agreement.
“We welcome the role of the American president and his sincere efforts aimed at ending the war in Gaza,” the joint statement read. European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and European Council Chief Antonio Costa, have also voiced their support for the plan. Merz described it as the “best chance” to end the war, while Costa urged all parties to “seize this moment to give peace a genuine chance”.
The plan includes a call for an immediate ceasefire, exchange of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, Israel’s phased withdrawal from Gaza, disarmament of Hamas, and establishment of a transitional government led by an international body involving former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Blair called the plan “bold and intelligent,” saying it could bring “immediate relief” to Gaza and a “brighter and better future” if agreed.
Residents of Gaza, however, expressed skepticism over the plan, dismissing it as a trick to release hostages that would not end the war. “We as a people will not accept this farce,” said Abu Mazen Nassar, a 52 year old resident. Islamic Jihad, a Palestinian armed group fighting alongside Hamas in Gaza, also rejected the plan, calling it “a recipe for continued aggression against the Palestinian people”.
Despite the skepticism, several European leaders have urged Hamas to accept the plan. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office said the UK “strongly” supports Trump’s efforts to end the fighting, release hostages, and provide urgent humanitarian assistance to Gaza. French President Emmanuel Macron also hailed Trump’s commitment to ending the war, saying Hamas has “no choice but to immediately free all hostages and follow this plan”.
The international community remains hopeful that the plan can bring an end to the conflict. As the situation in Gaza continues to be “intolerable,” the world watches with bated breath to see if the plan will be successful in achieving peace.