Key Muslim Nations and European Powers Back Trump's Gaza Plan
Several key Muslim nations, along with European allies, have voiced support for a plan by US President Donald Trump aimed at ending the war in Gaza. The proposal, however, has been met with skepticism and labeled a "farce" by some Palestinians. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed support for the plan, while also issuing a warning to Hamas.
International Support for the Gaza Plan
Eight Arab and Muslim-majority countries issued a joint statement welcoming President Trump's efforts to end the conflict in Gaza. These nations affirmed their willingness to work constructively with the United States and the involved parties to finalize and implement the agreement. Countries including Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey—all of which recognize Israel—signed the statement. Qatar, which has been a key mediator, and Saudi Arabia, a nation targeted for future normalization with Israel by Trump and Netanyahu, also signed.
Further support came from Indonesia and Pakistan, the world’s two most populous Muslim-majority nations. Indonesia has offered troops for a potential future Gaza force, while Pakistan has sought closer ties with Trump and Washington. Trump acknowledged a statement by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, expressing confidence in Trump's readiness to assist in ending the war.
Palestinian Reactions and Concerns
The Palestinian Authority, which Netanyahu has attempted to marginalize, also voiced support, acknowledging Trump’s efforts. However, Hamas has not yet provided a comprehensive response, citing that they had not received the full plan. Islamic Jihad, a Palestinian armed group allied with Hamas in Gaza, criticized the plan as "a recipe for continued aggression" against the Palestinian people. The group stated that Israel, through the United States, aims to impose conditions unattainable through warfare.
Residents of war-torn Gaza are generally skeptical of the plan, perceiving it as a scheme for hostage release without ending the broader conflict. One resident, Abu Mazen Nassar, stated that the Palestinian people would not accept this "farce."
European Support and Perspectives
French President Emmanuel Macron, following a meeting with Trump, indicated that the United States was incorporating elements from a French plan, despite disagreements over France's recognition of a Palestinian state. Macron praised Trump's commitment to ending the war and urged Hamas to release all hostages and adhere to the plan. He also called on Israel to fully commit.
The United Kingdom, according to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office, "strongly" supports Trump's efforts to end the fighting, release hostages, and deliver urgent humanitarian aid to Gaza. The plan involves a transitional body in Gaza, led by Trump and including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Blair stated that the proposed plan, if agreed, could end the war, provide immediate relief to Gaza, create a better future for its people, ensure Israel's security, and secure the release of hostages.
European Council Chief Antonio Costa urged all parties to "seize this moment to give peace a genuine chance," emphasizing the "intolerable" situation in Gaza. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government hailed Trump's diplomacy and called on all sides to accept the plan. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated the Trump plan offers a unique opportunity to end the war, while Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez welcomed the peace proposal, stressing the need to end suffering and achieve a two-state solution.
