Melike Pala
11 October 2025•Update: 11 October 2025
BRUSSELS
The EU on Friday welcomed the agreement on the first phase of the ceasefire plan for the Gaza Strip and urged all parties to "fully implement the agreement without delay."
In a statement issued on behalf of EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, it said the plan, put forward by US President Donald Trump, aims to secure an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages.
"We note that all sides agree, including the government of Israel. We call on all parties to fully implement the agreement without delay, allowing for the establishment of a lasting ceasefire, the release of the hostages, and the unimpeded access and sustained distribution of humanitarian assistance at scale into and throughout Gaza," it said.
The EU praised the diplomatic efforts led by the US and supported by Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates, describing the deal as "a real chance to end the devastating war and the human suffering."
It underlined that the agreement could pave the way for "a credible political path towards lasting peace and security, based on the two-state solution."
Reaffirming its readiness to support the implementation of the plan, the EU said it would continue assisting the safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid in coordination with UN agencies and international NGOs.
The statement noted that the bloc stands ready to contribute to Gaza's stabilization and reconstruction, including through its missions the EU Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM) in Rafah and EU Police Mission for the Palestinian Territories (EUPOL COPPS), while continuing to support the Palestinian Authority "in view of its return to Gaza."
On Sept. 29, Trump unveiled a 20-point ceasefire plan for Gaza that includes the release of all Israeli captives in exchange for around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, a permanent ceasefire and a gradual withdrawal of the Israeli forces from the entire Gaza Strip.
A second phase of the plan calls for the establishment of a new governing mechanism in Gaza without Hamas’ participation, the formation of a security force comprising Palestinians and troops from Arab and Islamic countries, and the disarmament of Hamas. It stipulates Arab and Islamic funding for the new administration and the reconstruction of the Strip, with limited participation from the Palestinian Authority.
