Brussels: The European Union (EU) welcomed on Saturday the announcement by the Palestinian movement Hamas of its approval of US President Donald Trump's proposal to end the war in the Gaza Strip. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a post on X that Hamas' stated readiness to release prisoners on the basis of President Trump's recent proposal was "encouraging".
According to Kuwait News Agency, von der Leyen stressed that "this moment must be seized", noting that an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all prisoners are within reach. She emphasized the importance of moving swiftly to capitalize on this development, suggesting that both sides have a rare opportunity to take significant steps toward peace.
Von der Leyen underlined that "Europe will support all efforts aiming to end the suffering of civilians and to promote the only viable solution for peace, the two-state solution." Her comments reflect the EU's long-standing position that a two-state solution is essential for lasting peace in the region.
Hamas announced on Friday evening its agreement to release all Israeli occupation prisoners, both alive and deceased. President Trump also urged the Israeli occupation to immediately halt strikes on Gaza, declaring that Hamas was "ready for peace." This marks a potential turning point in the ongoing conflict, as both parties are being called upon to take actionable steps toward reconciliation.