In a bold diplomatic turn, both UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron voiced their support for a 20-point peace proposal to end the war in Gaza, put forward by Donald Trump in cooperation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Their endorsements, made on September 30, 2025, have sparked questions about shifting alliances and the complexities of Middle East diplomacy. Reuters+5The Guardian+5Reuters+5

What the Plan Proposes

The Trump-Netanyahu peace plan calls for an immediate ceasefire, the disarmament of Hamas, the release of all hostages, and the establishment of Gaza’s reconstruction under an international security structure. It envisions a new interim governing body, the “Board of Peace”, possibly led by Trump and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, overseeing Gaza until a new Palestinian governance model can be prepared. Reuters+3AP News+3The Independent+3

Netanyahu accepted the plan publicly but added stringent conditions: Israel’s withdrawal would be phased, contingent upon hostage release within 72 hours, and Gaza would be demilitarized under Israeli security oversight. Neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority would govern Gaza in the interim phase. Le Monde.fr+2Reuters+2

Hamas, for its part, has not rejected the plan outright. The group stated it would review the proposal together with other Palestinian factions before issuing a response. AP News+1

Responses from European Leaders

Macron issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter), saying he “welcomes President Trump’s commitment to ending the war in Gaza and securing the release of all hostages.” He urged Israel to “engage resolutely” and for Hamas to comply immediately. Macron framed the plan as a necessary step toward deeper peace, anchored in a two-state solution supported by France and Saudi Arabia. Reuters+2Hindustan Times+2

Starmer echoed these sentiments, calling the U.S. proposal “profoundly welcome” and emphasizing Britain’s support for ending hostilities, releasing hostages, and delivering humanitarian aid as urgent priorities. He described the initiative as a top foreign policy objective. Reuters+1

Other European nations largely joined in support. The German chancellor publicly welcomed the plan, while the EU’s Ursula von der Leyen affirmed the bloc’s willingness to back “any mediation efforts” that promote peace. Reuters+1

Strategic Motives & Implications

Observers suggest several strategic motivations behind the endorsements:

  • Diplomatic repositioning: Macron and Starmer may intend to assert more independent foreign policies, especially as American influence is perceived to shift.

  • Pressure on Hamas: Endorsements are being used to pressure Hamas to accept the proposal, casting refusal as obstructionism rather than negotiation.

  • Humanitarian optics: European leaders face domestic and international pressure to act amid escalating civilian suffering in Gaza, making symbolic alignment with a peace initiative politically valuable.

  • Conditional leverage: By backing the plan, Europe may seek more influence in its shaping and implementation, rather than being sidelined.

However, risks are significant. Skeptics argue that the plan’s conditions heavily favor Israeli security interests and leave major unresolved issues—such as the status of Palestinian statehood, long-term governance, and rebuilding control. Reuters+2Times of Israel+2

Challenges Ahead

  • Hamas’ acceptance: Without Hamas’ agreement, the plan cannot proceed meaningfully. Negotiations could stall or break down entirely. AP News+1

  • Enforcement mechanisms: Creating and enforcing demilitarization, security oversight, and governance transitions will be enormously complex.

  • Coalition cohesion: European support is not monolithic. Differences in readiness, strategic goals, and domestic politics could strain unity.

  • Local legitimacy: Palestinian public opinion, the Palestinian Authority, and regional actors (Egypt, Qatar, Jordan) will play critical roles in whether such a plan is viable on the ground.

Sources

  • Reuters — Global reaction to Trump’s proposal for a Gaza peace plan Reuters

  • The Guardian — Trump news at a glance: UK and French leaders back president’s peace plan for Gaza The Guardian

  • AP News — The Latest: Hamas says it will study Trump’s peace plan before responding AP News

  • Reuters — EU’s von der Leyen says she welcomes Trump’s Gaza peace proposal Reuters

  • Le Monde — Netanyahu accepts Trump’s Gaza peace plan under pressure, but sets conditions Le Monde.fr

  • Time / analysis of world reactions TIME