New York, October 4, 2025 — United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has welcomed Hamas’s recent announcement expressing readiness to release hostages and engage with the Gaza peace proposal put forward by U.S. President Donald Trump.
The UN chief made his remarks through a statement released by his spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, on Friday in New York. Guterres urged all involved parties to seize the opportunity to end the conflict in Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need for a permanent ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and unrestricted humanitarian access.
He also expressed gratitude to Qatar and Egypt for their “invaluable” mediation efforts, recognizing their role in facilitating dialogue between the parties.
“The Secretary-General reiterates his consistent call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and unfettered humanitarian access,” the statement said. The UN, he added, would continue to support all efforts to achieve these goals and prevent further suffering in the region.
Earlier on Friday, Hamas confirmed it had submitted its response to President Trump’s Gaza peace proposal to regional and international mediators. The Palestinian armed group stated it had agreed in principle to release all Israeli hostages—both living and deceased—and signaled willingness to transfer Gaza’s administration to a body of independent Palestinian technocrats, formed through national consensus and backed by Arab and Islamic countries.
“Based on the Statement just issued by Hamas, I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE,” President Trump said Friday on Truth Social, adding that Israel must immediately stop its bombing of Gaza.
He continued, “We are already in discussions on the details to be worked out. This is not about Gaza alone, this is about long sought PEACE in the Middle East.”
The Trump administration had earlier unveiled a detailed 20-point peace proposal on Monday, following talks between the U.S. president and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The plan outlines a ceasefire-for-hostages deal, a phased Israeli withdrawal, the establishment of a demilitarized Gaza, and international oversight of Gaza’s reconstruction and governance once hostilities end.
While Hamas’s statement marks a significant diplomatic development, the road to a finalized ceasefire agreement remains complex, with several critical issues still to be negotiated.