Opposition leader Yair Lapid described Trump’s plan as a “suitable basis for a hostage deal and ending the war.”

Reactions from Arab and Western countries followed after US President Donald Trump announced on Monday his plan for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, which he described as a roadmap towards lasting peace and cleansing Gaza of “terrorism.”

The first reaction came from the US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Herzog, who praised the White House efforts and called for pressure on Hamas, described as the “last obstacle,” to accept the terms and end “this terrible conflict.”

This was followed by a statement from Michelle Nichols and Richard Gowan, directors of the UN International Crisis Group, who said Trump “scored points with Arab and European governments through his strong stance against any Israeli annexation of Palestinian territories, so I believe other powers will give this plan a chance.”

They added: “The plan includes at least some nods to the views of other countries, such as emphasizing the UN’s role in humanitarian aid after the war.”

In Europe, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU is ready to contribute to the Gaza peace proposal but stressed that the two-state solution remains the only practical way to achieve a just and lasting peace.

The Italian government welcomed Trump’s proposal via a tweet from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, considering it could “represent a turning point” allowing for “a permanent cessation of hostilities, immediate release of all hostages, and full and safe humanitarian access for civilians.” Madrid confirmed its support for Washington’s efforts to resume dialogue between Tel Aviv and the Palestinians.

French President Emmanuel Macron praised what he described as Trump’s commitment to ending the war in Gaza and securing the release of all hostages. He added in a statement on the X platform: “I expect Israel to act firmly on this basis. Hamas has no choice but to immediately release all hostages and follow this plan.”

In Germany, Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed the plan, expressing readiness to make tangible contributions, while Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul warned Hamas not to miss this “opportunity” and urged them to seize it.

In the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer called on all parties to unite and work with the US administration to finalize this agreement and turn it into reality. He added: “Hamas must now agree to the plan and end the suffering by laying down their arms and releasing all remaining hostages.”

Spain’s Foreign Ministry also welcomed Trump’s plan and called on parties to commit to ending the violence.

On the Israeli front, Blue and White opposition party leader Benny Gantz praised Trump’s “exceptional” efforts, emphasizing the need to seize the opportunity to return hostages, protect Israel’s security, and promote what he called a “strategic shift” to expand regional normalization circles.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid described Trump’s plan as a “suitable basis for a hostage deal and ending the war,” while Israeli Democratic Party leader Yair Golan expressed hope for “the return of hostages and the end of the politically motivated war,” noting that Trump’s plan should have been signed long ago and called on Netanyahu to apologize for the bloodshed and suffering caused.

In the Arab world, foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UAE, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, Indonesia, and Pakistan welcomed Trump’s announcement to end the war in Gaza, issuing a joint statement affirming their readiness to cooperate positively with the US and concerned parties to finalize the agreement and ensure its implementation.

The Palestinian Authority reaffirmed its commitment to reaching a deal “that would pave the way for a just peace based on the two-state solution,” according to the Palestinian news agency Wafa, while Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said he “hopes” the plan will receive approval from the concerned parties as soon as possible.