Will Europe and the Middle East Leaders Embrace Trump's Gaza Peace Plan?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Trump's peace plan aims to resolve the Gaza conflict.
- Leaders from various regions have expressed support.
- Immediate humanitarian relief is a critical component.
- A two-state solution is emphasized for long-term peace.
- Hostage release is prioritized in the proposal.
Brussels, Sep 30 (NationPress) Leaders from Europe and the Middle East expressed their support on Tuesday for US President Donald Trump's declaration of a detailed plan aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The leaders' remarks followed Trump's official unveiling of his 20-point peace initiative to conclude the Israel-Hamas hostilities during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday (Washington time).
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen acknowledged Trump's dedication to resolving the Gaza conflict, highlighting the European Union's willingness to assist in these efforts.
"I appreciate President Donald Trump's commitment to cease the warfare in Gaza. I urge all involved parties to take advantage of this opportunity. The EU is prepared to help. It is crucial that hostilities end with immediate humanitarian assistance for the people in Gaza and that all hostages are released without delay.
She emphasized that a two-state solution is the sole feasible approach to achieving a fair and enduring peace in the Middle East, allowing the peoples of Israel and Palestine to coexist peacefully and securely.
European Council President Antonio Costa also praised Trump's strategy to resolve the Gaza conflict, labeling the circumstances in Gaza as "intolerable" and advocating for an end to the violence and the liberation of all hostages held by Hamas.
In a statement on X, Costa remarked, "I welcome President Donald Trump's initiative to conclude the conflict in Gaza and am heartened by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's affirmative reaction. All stakeholders must capitalize on this moment to afford peace a genuine opportunity."
Reiterating the dire situation in Gaza, Costa stated, "Hostilities must cease, and all hostages should be freed without delay. The Israeli and Palestinian populations deserve to coexist peacefully, free from violence and terrorism. A two-state solution remains the only feasible path to achieving a just and lasting peace in the Middle East."
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan commended Trump's endeavors to bring an end to the conflict in Gaza and to attain a ceasefire, expressing Turkey's willingness to aid in the establishment of a just and lasting peace acceptable to all involved.
"I laud US President Donald Trump's leadership in ending the bloodshed in Gaza and securing a ceasefire. Turkey will persist in contributing to this process to achieve a fair and enduring peace acceptable to all parties," Erdogan mentioned in a post on X.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney supported Trump's plan and urged all parties to facilitate its full implementation. He called for the immediate release of hostages and reaffirmed Canada’s readiness to assist in delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza.
In a statement on X, Carney said, "Canada endorses President Trump's groundbreaking new Middle East peace initiative, and we implore all parties to help realize its full potential. As a critical next step, Hamas must promptly release all hostages. Canada stands prepared to support the consistent, unobstructed, and large-scale delivery of humanitarian aid into and throughout Gaza."
"We will sustain our close collaboration with international allies to forge a fair and lasting peace that builds upon today’s advancements, with a sovereign, democratic, and viable State of Palestine charting a path toward peace and security alongside the State of Israel," he added.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul welcomed the US initiative to conclude the conflict in Gaza, remarking in a post on X, "The US proposal for Gaza presents a rare opportunity to end the horrific war there. This chance must not be squandered."
New Zealand's Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters expressed approval for the US's extensive plan to resolve the Gaza conflict. He urged all parties to utilize this opportunity and fully implement the proposal's conditions.
In a post on X, Peters stated, "During our speech at the UN General Assembly over the weekend, we emphasized our urgent desire for diplomacy to succeed and noted that countries with influence are most likely to achieve a breakthrough, demonstrating global leadership."
"New Zealand thus endorses the United States' 'Comprehensive Plan to End the Conflict in Gaza' as an illustration of such global leadership. We call on all parties to seize this crucial opportunity to conclude the conflict and fully implement the proposal's terms. New Zealand advocates for an immediate cessation of this devastating conflict," he added.
The leaders’ statements come in the wake of Trump’s announcement of a peace plan for Gaza, which entails forming a temporary technocratic government, with Israel promising not to annex the Strip and ensuring that no residents will be displaced. The agreement proposes an immediate cessation of hostilities if accepted, with all captives, both living and deceased, returned within 72 hours.
The Gaza administration will be overseen by a new international transitional entity, referred to as the "Board of Peace," chaired by Trump and other members including former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. This entity will establish the framework and manage funding for the reconstruction of Gaza until the Palestinian Authority completes a reform program to regain control.
Hamas members who agree to peace will be granted amnesty, while others will be provided safe passage abroad. Security in Gaza will be supervised by regional and international forces, who will also assist in training the Palestinian Police, while aid will flow in at mutually agreed levels.
The US will facilitate further dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians to encourage long-term coexistence.