Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomes Hamas’s response to a peace deal presented by US President Donald Trump and says ending the fighting in Gaza is “within reach.”
“Hamas’ stated readiness to release hostages and engage on the basis of the recent proposal is encouraging,”
Von der Leyen writes on X.
“This moment must be seized. An immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages are within reach.”
Hamas’ stated readiness to release hostages and engage on the basis of the recent @POTUS proposal is encouraging.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) October 4, 2025
This moment must be seized.
An immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages are within reach.
Europe will support all efforts aiming to end the…
How did Hamas respond to Trump’s proposal?
Hamas, the organisation governing Gaza, has responded to Trump’s 20-point proposal regarding the end of the war in Gaza. Its statement on Saturday falls short of a full agreement but incorporates some of the key elements that Western and Middle Eastern nations consider essential to end the war.
The group agreed to free all remaining Israeli hostages just hours after Trump gave them until Sunday to accept his peace plan for Gaza. It also said it
“renews its agreement to hand over the administration of the Gaza Strip to a Palestinian body of independents (technocrats), based on Palestinian national consensus and Arab and Islamic support”
What key issues remain unresolved in Hamas’s peace response?
Meanwhile, Hamas calls for additional negotiations on several issues listed in the US peace plan, but it does not address crucial points such as disarmament and its departure from governance in Gaza.
What was Trump’s response to Hamas’s acceptance of the peace proposal?
Trump also welcomed Hamas’ response and called on Israel to cease bombing Gaza, expressing his belief that Hamas is “ready for a lasting peace.” In a video recorded in the Oval Office, he expresses gratitude to several countries he credits with helping to broker the plan, including Qatar, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.
How did Netanyahu’s office respond to Hamas’s statement?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office also issued a brief two-line statement, confirming that the country will collaborate with the US on “Trump’s plan” for peace.
“In light of Hamas’s response, Israel is preparing to immediately implement the first phase of Trump’s plan for the immediate release of all hostages,”
Netanyahu stated n a statement.
“We will continue to work in full cooperation with the President and his team to end the war in accordance with the principles set forth by Israel that are consistent with President Trump’s vision.
Why did Israel continue strikes despite Trump’s ceasefire call?
On the other hand, Gaza’s civil defence agency reported that Israel conducted dozens of air strikes and artillery shelling on Gaza City, despite Trump’s plea to halt the bombardments following Hamas’s agreement to a deal. Seven people have been killed across the Strip since dawn today.
“It was a very violent night, during which the [Israeli army] carried out dozens of air strikes and artillery shelling on Gaza City and other areas in the Strip, despite President Trump’s call to halt the bombing,”
Civil defence spokesperson Mahmoud said.
