Guterres also expressed gratitude to Qatar and Egypt for their mediation efforts and reiterated his longstanding call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, unconditional release of all captives, and unrestricted humanitarian access. The UN pledged support for all efforts aimed at achieving these goals to prevent further suffering.
Hamas’s response—issued following extensive internal consultations and discussions with Palestinian factions and regional mediators— included conditional approval of several elements of Trump’s plan. The group emphasized its national responsibility and stressed the urgent need to halt a genocidal aggression against Gaza’s resilient population.
Hamas expressed gratitude to Arab, Islamic, and international actors—including President Trump— for efforts to end the war, facilitate prisoner exchanges, deliver humanitarian aid, and oppose both the occupation and forced displacement of Palestinians.
Speaking Friday evening, President Trump said Hamas’s statement signaled a willingness to pursue lasting peace. He urged Israel to immediately halt its bombing campaign to allow for the safe release of Israeli captives and emphasized that the proposal extends beyond Gaza, aiming to foster what he called broader "peace" across West Asia.
President Trump unveiled the 20-point plan on September 29, 2025, alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. While Trump claims the plan aims to end the war and rebuild Gaza, it has faced criticism from Palestinian groups, human rights organizations, and Western analysts. Critics contend that the plan focuses more on disarming Gaza than protecting civilians and raises concerns about external control —particularly the proposed “Trump Peace Council,” which includes figures such as Tony Blair.
According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, Israeli attacks since October 7, 2023, have killed approximately 66,148 Palestinians and injured 168,716. Since March 18, 2025, Gaza alone has seen 13,280 deaths and 56,675 injuries. The nearly two-year war is described as the longest modern genocide, aimed at attrition, starvation, and depopulation —yet it has only deepened Gaza’s resistance.
Hossein Amiri - Mojtaba Darabi
