Pope Leo Hopes Hamas Will Accept Trump's Gaza Peace Plan

Post by : Monika

On September 30, 2025, Pope Leo XIV made a public statement expressing hope that Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, would accept U.S. President Donald Trump's 20-point peace plan aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Speaking to reporters at his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, Pope Leo described the plan as containing "very interesting elements" and urged Hamas to respond positively within the established timeframe.

Background of the Peace Plan

President Trump's peace plan, which has been endorsed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, outlines several key provisions intended to bring an end to the nearly two-year-long war in Gaza. The plan includes demands for a ceasefire, the disarmament of Hamas, a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and the establishment of a transitional government led by an international body.

However, Hamas was not involved in the negotiations that shaped the plan and has previously rejected calls for disarmament. Despite this, Hamas has stated its intention to evaluate the proposal in good faith.

Pope's Statement

Pope Leo's remarks came as part of his regular interactions with the press during his stay at Castel Gandolfo. While he did not delve into the specifics of the peace plan, he emphasized the importance of respecting human life and avoiding further conflict.

He also addressed concerns about a humanitarian aid flotilla attempting to deliver supplies to Gaza, which faced the threat of interception by Israel. Israel has committed to enforcing its naval blockade amid its ongoing conflict with Hamas, raising fears of potential violence. The pope reiterated the need for all parties involved to prioritize human dignity and peace.

International Reactions

The pope's comments align with broader international calls for a peaceful resolution to the Gaza conflict. The Kremlin, for instance, has expressed hope that President Trump's peace plan will be implemented and help bring an end to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia welcomes any efforts aimed at resolving the humanitarian crisis in the region and stressed the importance of a peaceful resolution.

Similarly, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has expressed willingness to collaborate with key global figures—including U.S. President Donald Trump, Saudi Arabia, France, and the United Nations—on implementing a UN General Assembly-backed peace plan intended to end the Gaza conflict and support a two-state solution.

This initiative follows a widely endorsed seven-page declaration from a UN-hosted international conference in July, which the U.S. and Israel boycotted. In a speech via video to the UN General Assembly, Abbas condemned Hamas's October 7, 2023, attacks on Israeli civilians and stated that Hamas should have no role in the governance of Gaza, calling for them to disarm and submit control to the Palestinian National Authority.

The Humanitarian Situation

The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. Over the past two years, the conflict has resulted in significant casualties—1,200 Israelis and over 65,000 Palestinians, according to respective sources. The war has caused massive destruction, with most homes damaged or destroyed, and 2.3 million residents living under a severe humanitarian crisis. Hospitals are overwhelmed, and basic necessities such as food, water, and electricity are scarce.

In response to the growing humanitarian needs, international organizations have been working to provide aid to Gaza. However, the ongoing conflict and restrictions on movement have made it challenging to deliver assistance effectively.

The proposed peace plan includes provisions for the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid, including the rehabilitation of infrastructure such as water, electricity, and sewage systems, as well as hospitals and bakeries. The plan also calls for the entry of necessary equipment to remove rubble and open roads, facilitating the distribution of aid to those in need.

Challenges to Implementation

Despite the international support for the peace plan, significant challenges remain in its implementation. Hamas's rejection of the disarmament clause is a major obstacle, as the group has previously stated that it will not relinquish its weapons. Additionally, the plan's demand for Hamas to have no role in the governance of Gaza is contentious, as the group has been the de facto governing authority in the region since 2007.

Furthermore, the plan's emphasis on a transitional government led by an international body raises questions about the future political structure of Gaza and the broader Palestinian territories. The lack of specifics regarding Palestinian statehood and governance reforms has also been a point of contention among various stakeholders.

Pope Leo's call for Hamas to consider President Trump's peace plan reflects the Vatican's longstanding commitment to promoting peace and dialogue in the Middle East. While the plan presents a potential path toward ending the Gaza conflict,

its success hinges on the willingness of all parties involved to engage constructively and make the necessary compromises. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes human dignity, peace, and the well-being of all individuals affected by the conflict.

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