Hostage Release Brings Relief and Renewed Calls for Peace: PM Starmer Backs Trump’s Gaza Plan.
London:
In a significant development, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed deep relief following the release of Avinatan Or and several other hostages held by Hamas for nearly two years. The release, announced early Monday, marks a major breakthrough in a long and painful saga that has drawn international attention and concern since the hostages were taken during the Hamas attacks of October 2023.
Speaking from Egypt, where he is attending diplomatic meetings aimed at resolving the ongoing Gaza conflict, Starmer described the release as a “deeply emotional moment” and a “stark reminder” of the horrific treatment endured by the hostages. He specifically mentioned his personal connection with the family of Avinatan Or, highlighting the unimaginable suffering they have endured over the past two years.
“No one can truly understand the torture and agony they suffered for two drawn out years,” Starmer said. “My thoughts are with them today, and also with the family of Yossi Sharabi, who are still waiting for news.”
While the release has sparked hope, Starmer was quick to emphasize that this is only a partial step toward long-term peace in the region. In his statement, the Prime Minister reiterated his gratitude to the governments of the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye for their roles in facilitating the hostage negotiations.
Crucially, Starmer used the moment to call for renewed commitment to President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan for Gaza. The controversial plan, originally unveiled during Trump’s presidency, has seen a revival in diplomatic discussions in recent months amid growing calls for a lasting resolution to the Israel-Gaza conflict.
“It is now crucial that we work together to implement President Trump’s peace plan for Gaza, and that will be my focus in Egypt today,” Starmer stated.
He stressed that “commitment from all parties” would be essential in ending the war and creating the conditions for a sustainable peace. The UK, he confirmed, would fully support the next stage of negotiations and play an active role in the plan’s implementation.
The Prime Minister’s comments come at a critical time. While the release of hostages is a positive development, the situation in Gaza remains fragile, with ceasefire violations and humanitarian challenges continuing to escalate. Analysts say that without concrete progress on a broader political settlement, such gains may prove temporary.
As discussions continue in Cairo, the international community watches closely, hoping this marks a turning point in one of the most intractable conflicts of the 21st century.
Background:
Avinatan Or was one of dozens of civilians kidnapped during the October 2023 attacks by Hamas, which triggered widespread international condemnation. Over the past two years, negotiations have intermittently taken place under the auspices of various regional and global powers, leading to a limited number of releases. The fate of many others, including Yossi Sharabi, remains uncertain.
The Trump Peace Plan, first proposed in 2020 and revived in revised form in 2025, includes provisions for demilitarization of Hamas, large-scale international reconstruction efforts in Gaza, and a framework for shared governance under international supervision. While met with skepticism by some parties, the plan has gained renewed traction amid fatigue with ongoing violence and humanitarian crises in the region.
