A coalition of Muslim-majority nations and European powers on Monday backed a plan by US President Donald Trump aimed at ending the war in Gaza — a proposal that has already drawn criticism from some Palestinians as a “farce.”
The joint statement of support came from Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and Pakistan. The countries said they welcomed Trump’s “sincere efforts” and pledged readiness to work with the United States and other parties to secure implementation.
The backing marks a rare moment of alignment, with Saudi Arabia’s stance seen as especially significant as it considers normalisation with Israel — a priority for both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who endorsed the plan and warned Hamas of more devastation if it refused.
European allies also lined up behind Trump’s proposal.
- French President Emmanuel Macron praised Washington for adopting elements of a French framework and urged Hamas to release hostages and accept the deal.
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office said Britain “strongly supports” Trump’s efforts to end the fighting and deliver humanitarian relief.
- Former British leader Tony Blair, named in the plan to help lead a transitional body in Gaza, called it “a bold and intelligent plan” that could secure peace while protecting Israel’s security.
- EU chief Antonio Costa, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, and Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez also issued statements urging all sides to seize the opportunity.
The Palestinian Authority quickly endorsed the US-led effort. But Hamas has not formally responded, while Islamic Jihad rejected the proposal, calling it “a recipe for continued aggression against the Palestinian people.”
Ordinary Gazans voiced scepticism. “We as a people will not accept this farce,” said Abu Mazen Nassar, a 52-year-old resident, accusing the plan of being a ploy to free hostages without ending the war.
Trump, highlighting Pakistan’s early endorsement, hailed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s public statement of confidence in US leadership.
The proposal’s success, analysts say, hinges on whether Hamas will engage — and whether Israel, under Netanyahu, will commit “resolutely” as Macron urged.
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