ISLAMABAD: Western leaders including European Union (EU) chief Antonio Costa, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, and the British government, have welcomed US President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan, urging all sides to seize the opportunity to end hostilities, release hostages, and pave the way for lasting stability in the region.
European Union chief Antonio Costa on Monday urged all parties to "seize this moment to give peace a genuine chance" after US President Trump announced his plan to end the war in Gaza, AFP reported.
EU chief welcomes Gaza plan
"I welcome President (Trump's) plan to end the war in Gaza and I am encouraged by Prime Minister (Benjamin) Netanyahu's positive response," Costa said on X.
"The situation in Gaza is intolerable. Hostilities must end, and all hostages must be released immediately," he added.
"The Israeli and Palestinian people deserve to live side by side, in peace and security, free from violence and terrorism. A two-state solution remains the only viable path to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East,” Costa said in his social media post.
Tony Blair hails 'bold' Gaza plan
Tony Blair on Monday hailed as "bold and intelligent" a move US President Donald Trump's plan for ending the war in Gaza, in which the British former prime minister is due to play a key role, AFP reported.
"President Trump has put down a bold and intelligent plan which, if agreed, can end the war, bring immediate relief to Gaza, the chance of a brighter and better future for its people, whilst ensuring Israel’s absolute and enduring security and the release of all hostages," Blair said in a statement.
Under the plan, Blair is due to be part of a transitional "Board of Peace" in Gaza that will be chaired by Trump.
In the statement, shared by Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, the former UK premier further said about the peace plan: “It offers us the best chance of ending two years of war, misery and suffering, and I thank President Trump for his leadership, determination and commitment.”
“In particular, his willingness to chair the Board of Peace to oversee the new Gaza is a huge signal of support and confidence in the future of Gaza, of the possibility of Israelis and Palestinians finding a path to peace, and of the potential for a broader regional and global alliance to counter the forces of extremism and promote peace and prosperity between nations,” Blair added.
Britain 'strongly' backs plan
Britain's government Monday threw its weight behind US President Trump's plan to end the war in Gaza, AFP reported.
"We strongly support his efforts to end the fighting, release the hostages and ensure the provision of urgent humanitarian assistance for the people of Gaza.
This is our top priority and should happen immediately," Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office said in a statement.
