Sir Keir Starmer has hailed Hamas’ acceptance of Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan which is set to see all hostages released.
The Prime Minister called on “all sides to implement the agreement without delay”.
On Friday Hamas indicated a willingness to enter talks to discuss the peace agreement which would see all remaining Israeli hostages, both dead and alive, released.
Sir Keir called Hamas’ acceptance of the deal “a significant step forwards”.
He continued : “There is now an opportunity to end fighting, for hostages to return home, and for humanitarian aid to reach those who so desperately need it.
“The UK, alongside out partners, stands ready to support further negotiations and to work towards sustainable peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike.
Sir Keir Starmer has hailed Hamas’ acceptance of Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan
|
REUTERS
The Prime Minister added that he “strongly supports President Trump’s efforts, which have brought us closer to peace than ever before”.
According to local media, the Israeli Prime Minister’s office has said that following Hamas’ response, it is preparing for the “immediate implementation” of the first stage of Mr Trump’s plan for the immediate release of all hostages.
The US President released a video thanking the countries which helped him organise the deal, naming Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan in particular.
Explaining that “many people fought so hard”, the President celebrated the “big day”, calling it “unprecedented”.
PALESTINE PROTESTS – READ THE LATEST:
Donald Trump laid out his 20-point peace plan
|
PA
He said: “Very importantly, I look forward to having the hostages come home to their parents.”
Mr Trump added: “Everybody was unified in wanting this war to end and seeing peace in the Middle East, and we’re very close to achieving that.
“Thank you all and everybody will be treated fairly.”
He had previously implemented a deadline for Hamas to agree before Sunday at 6pm, clarifying it was the “last chance”.
Responding to the President’s 20-point plan, Hamas said it “appreciates the Arab, Islamic, and international efforts, as well as the efforts of US President Donald Trump, calling for an end to the war on the Gaza Strip, in exchange of prisoners, [and] the immediate entry of aid”.
The group added: “In this context, the movement affirms its readiness to immediately enter, through the mediators, into negotiation to discuss the details.”
Mr Trump’s plan lays out details for an immediate ceasefire, an exchange of all hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, a staged Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas and the introduction of a transitional government led by an international body.