European leaders hail breakthrough as Hamas signals acceptance of US peace plan

European leaders say peace in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages are now “within reach” after Hamas announced it would accept most elements of a US-brokered peace plan.

The group confirmed late on Friday that it was prepared to release all remaining hostages, both living and dead, as part of a prisoner exchange. Around 50 people are still believed to be held in Gaza, of whom about 20 are thought to be alive.

The proposal, devised by US president Donald Trump with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, includes the release of hostages, the transfer of Gaza’s administration to an independent technocratic body, and the eventual disarmament of Hamas. Hamas has agreed in principle to the first two measures but said some aspects “require further consultation”, particularly those concerning Gaza’s future governance and Palestinian rights.

French president Emmanuel Macron, German chancellor Friedrich Merz and UK prime minister Keir Starmer welcomed the announcement, calling it the best chance in nearly two years to end the war. “There is now an opportunity to end the fighting, bring the hostages home, and deliver aid to those who desperately need it”, said Starmer.

Trump, who gave Hamas a Sunday deadline to accept the plan, declared he believed the group was “ready for lasting peace” and urged Israel to halt bombing to allow the deal to proceed. 

Despite remaining uncertainties, European capitals said they would “continue to push relentlessly for peace in Gaza”.

^{Macron, Merz and Starmer © Ludovic MARIN / POOL / AFP}