France Welcomes Trump's Gaza Peace Plan, Urges Hamas to Accept

France Endorses US Peace Initiative for Gaza

French President Emmanuel Macron has officially welcomed the peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in Gaza and securing the release of all hostages. In a statement issued on September 29, 2025, Macron underscored the importance of the initiative and called on Hamas to immediately accept the terms of the plan. France's Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs Spokesperson reiterated this stance, highlighting the plan's alignment with principles for lasting peace in the region.

Key Elements of Trump's 20-Point Plan

The comprehensive 20-point peace plan, unveiled by President Trump alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, seeks a definitive end to the two-year-long war in Gaza. Core components of the proposal include:

• A permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
• The immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas.
• A massive entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza under UN supervision.
• The disarmament and exclusion of Hamas from any future political role.
• The rejection of any annexation and forced population displacement.
• The establishment of a new governance structure for Gaza's reconstruction, the re-establishment of the Palestinian Authority in the enclave, and an international stabilization mission.
• The relaunch of a political process aimed at establishing a Palestinian State living in peace and security alongside Israel.

The plan also outlines the deployment of an international security force to train Palestinian police and the creation of a 'Board of Peace,' potentially chaired by Trump himself, to oversee administration and reconstruction. Trump has reportedly given Hamas 'three or four days' to respond to the proposal, warning of severe consequences if rejected. The plan also requires Israel to release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

Widespread International Support

France's endorsement joins a chorus of international support for Trump's peace initiative. President Macron stated, 'I expect Israel to engage resolutely on this basis. Hamas has no choice but to immediately release all hostages and follow this plan.' He further added that 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 and on the principles endorsed by 142 UN member states, at the initiative of France and Saudi Arabia.' Other nations and leaders welcoming the plan include Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who called it the 'best chance for ending the war,' as well as Russia, the United Kingdom's Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Spain's President Pedro Sanchez, and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. A joint statement supporting the plan was also issued by the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt. India and China have also expressed their welcome for the initiative.

Hamas Considers Proposal Amidst Skepticism

While the international community largely welcomes the proposal, Hamas has indicated it is studying the US plan 'in good faith' and will present its response to Egyptian and Qatari mediators. However, sources close to Hamas have expressed skepticism, describing the plan as 'completely biased to Israel' and imposing 'impossible conditions' designed to eliminate the group. Islamic Jihad, a Hamas ally, has already rejected the plan, viewing it as an attempt by Israel, via the United States, to achieve through diplomacy what it could not through military means. The proposal comes as the conflict in Gaza has reportedly resulted in more than 66,000 Palestinian casualties over the past two years.