Brussels, Sep 30 (UNI) European leaders have hailed US President Donald Trump's 20-point plan to end the Gaza war, praising it as a credible step in ending the nearly three-years of massive bloodshed in the region, and reviving prospects for peace and security in the Middle East, as per BBC.
European Council President Antonio Costa, said that he was "inspired" by Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's determination to end the war – and noting it to be in line with the dictates of the New York Declaration agreed at the UN - urged all parties "to seize this plan without delay" to end the fighting and guarantee "the Palestinian people's right to self-determination, the Israeli people's right to security, stability, and regional integration."
Italy echoed the endorsement, pledging to work "in close coordination with the United States, European partners, and regional actors."
London went further, with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer pressing Hamas to end hostilities: "We call on all sides to come together and to work with the US administration to finalise this agreement and bring it into reality. Hamas should now agree to the plan and end the misery, by laying down their arms and releasing all remaining hostages."
French President Emmanuel Macron also welcomed the proposal, saying Paris "stands ready to contribute" to ending the war and securing the release of captives.
"These elements must pave the way for in-depth discussions with all relevant partners to build a lasting peace in the region, based on the two-state solution," he added.
The plan calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages within 72 hours, and unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza, while guaranteeing amnesty to those Hamas terrorists who renounce violence and surrender their arms, promising them safe passage from the enclave.
A transitional technocratic administration would be installed, advised by an international board chaired by Trump and former UK prime minister Tony Blair.
For purposes of upholding stability, a temporary international security force would be deployed, overseeing a gradual IDF withdrawal.
At the same time, the Palestinian Authority would undergo sweeping reforms — including elections and governance restructuring — before assuming a larger role in Gaza.
The plan leaves the timeline for a "credible pathway" to Palestinian statehood deliberately open, a feature that has already drawn scepticism from critics.
The announcement came just days after Netanyahu, in a combative address to the UN General Assembly, denounced recent recognitions of Palestinian statehood by several European governments as a "mark of shame" that rewarded terror.
Nonetheless, Jerusalem is backing Trump's proposed framework, deeming it the only viable path to ending the war while safeguarding Israel's security interests.
For Europe, the plan represents a chance to reassert its diplomatic role after months of divisions over Gaza policy. Officials stressed that their support is contingent on broad buy-in from regional players and on Hamas making the first move.
The Islamic world has likewise supported the plan, though Hamas - whose invovlement is crucial - is yet to issue any response. UNI ANV SS