In a significant development in the ongoing efforts to resolve the conflict in the Gaza Strip, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed his support for a statement from Hamas indicating the group’s willingness to release hostages and engage with a ceasefire plan proposed by United States President Donald Trump. The announcement, which was conveyed through a statement by Guterres’ spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, on Friday, October 3, 2025, marks a potential turning point in the protracted and devastating conflict in Gaza. The UN chief’s response underscores the urgency of seizing this opportunity to bring an end to the violence that has caused immense suffering for civilians in the region.
According to Dujarric, Secretary-General Guterres “urges all parties to seize the opportunity to bring the tragic conflict in Gaza to an end.” This call to action reflects the UN’s longstanding commitment to fostering peace and stability in the Middle East, particularly in Gaza, where years of conflict have led to significant loss of life, widespread destruction, and a worsening humanitarian crisis. Guterres’ statement emphasizes the need for all parties involved—Hamas, Israel, and other stakeholders—to act swiftly and decisively to capitalize on this moment of potential progress.
The UN’s response came shortly after a senior Hamas official, Mousa Abu Marzouk, announced on Friday that the Palestinian resistance group had agreed “in principle” to President Trump’s ceasefire proposal for the Gaza Strip. While endorsing the main outlines of the plan, Marzouk stressed that its implementation would require further negotiations to address specific details and ensure that the agreement meets the needs and concerns of all parties. This cautious but optimistic stance from Hamas has raised hopes that a breakthrough in the conflict, which has seen repeated cycles of violence, could be within reach.
The details of President Trump’s ceasefire plan have not been fully disclosed in public statements, but it is understood to include key provisions aimed at halting hostilities, securing the release of hostages, and paving the way for broader peace talks. The plan is seen as a continuation of U.S. efforts to mediate in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, building on previous diplomatic initiatives while introducing new elements tailored to the current dynamics in Gaza. Hamas’ willingness to engage with the proposal, even if conditionally, represents a significant shift, as the group has historically been skeptical of U.S.-led initiatives due to perceived biases in favor of Israel.
In his statement, Guterres expressed gratitude to Qatar and Egypt for their “invaluable” mediation efforts, which have been instrumental in facilitating dialogue between the conflicting parties. Both nations have played a critical role in previous ceasefire negotiations and have established themselves as key regional players in efforts to de-escalate tensions in Gaza. Qatar, in particular, has been a major provider of humanitarian aid to Gaza and has worked to broker agreements between Hamas and Israel in the past. Egypt, meanwhile, has leveraged its geographic proximity and historical ties to both sides to serve as a mediator in numerous rounds of talks. Guterres’ acknowledgment of their contributions highlights the importance of multilateral diplomacy in addressing complex conflicts like the one in Gaza.
The UN chief reiterated his consistent call for three critical objectives: an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and unfettered humanitarian access to Gaza. These priorities reflect the UN’s broader mission to alleviate human suffering, protect civilian lives, and promote lasting peace in the region. The call for a ceasefire is particularly urgent given the devastating toll the conflict has taken on Gaza’s population, with thousands of civilians killed or injured and entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble. The blockade of Gaza, imposed by Israel and Egypt, has further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, limiting access to essential goods like food, medicine, and fuel.
The issue of hostages remains a central sticking point in negotiations. Hamas has held several Israeli hostages, including civilians and soldiers, since the escalation of hostilities. Their release is a key demand of Israel and a prerequisite for any sustainable ceasefire agreement. In turn, Hamas has called for the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, a demand that has been a recurring feature of past negotiations. The UN’s emphasis on the “immediate and unconditional” release of hostages underscores the need to prioritize human lives and break the cycle of retaliation that has perpetuated the conflict.
Guterres also stressed the importance of “unfettered humanitarian access” to Gaza, where the population faces dire conditions. International aid organizations have repeatedly warned of the deteriorating situation in the territory, with shortages of clean water, electricity, and medical supplies creating a public health crisis. The UN has been at the forefront of efforts to deliver aid to Gaza, but ongoing restrictions and security concerns have hampered these efforts. By calling for unrestricted access, Guterres is advocating for a framework that allows humanitarian organizations to operate effectively and deliver life-saving assistance to those in need.
The UN’s commitment to supporting all efforts toward these objectives was reaffirmed in Dujarric’s statement, which emphasized the organization’s role in preventing further suffering. The UN has a long history of involvement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, from peacekeeping missions to humanitarian programs and diplomatic initiatives. Guterres’ leadership has been marked by a focus on multilateral cooperation and the protection of civilian lives, and his response to Hamas’ statement reflects this approach. By endorsing the ceasefire plan and urging all parties to act, the UN is positioning itself as a key player in the push for peace.
The broader context of the Gaza conflict adds complexity to the current moment. The conflict is rooted in decades of territorial disputes, political tensions, and competing national aspirations between Israelis and Palestinians. Gaza, a densely populated strip of land home to over two million people, has been under a blockade since 2007, when Hamas took control of the territory. The blockade, combined with periodic military escalations, has led to widespread poverty, unemployment, and despair among Gaza’s residents. For Israel, security concerns—particularly the threat of rocket attacks and incursions by Hamas—have justified its stringent measures. However, these measures have drawn international criticism for their impact on civilians.
The involvement of external actors like the United States, Qatar, and Egypt underscores the international dimensions of the conflict. The U.S. has long been a key ally of Israel, providing military and diplomatic support, while also seeking to position itself as a mediator in peace talks. President Trump’s ceasefire plan builds on his administration’s earlier efforts to broker a broader peace deal, though previous initiatives, such as the Abraham Accords, focused more on normalizing relations between Israel and Arab states rather than resolving the Palestinian issue directly. Hamas’ engagement with the current plan suggests a pragmatic approach, possibly driven by internal pressures or a recognition of the need to alleviate the suffering in Gaza.
For the UN, the stakes are high. A successful ceasefire could pave the way for renewed talks on a two-state solution or other long-term resolutions to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Failure, on the other hand, risks further violence and instability, with ripple effects across the region. Guterres’ call to action is a reminder that diplomacy, while challenging, remains the best path forward. The UN’s support for the ceasefire process, coupled with its advocacy for humanitarian access and hostage release, reflects a comprehensive approach to addressing both the immediate and underlying causes of the conflict.
As negotiations move forward, the international community will be watching closely. The tentative agreement by Hamas to engage with Trump’s plan is a hopeful sign, but the road to a lasting ceasefire is fraught with challenges. Issues such as the terms of the ceasefire, the release of hostages and prisoners, and the lifting of the blockade will require careful negotiation and compromise. The UN’s role as a neutral facilitator, combined with the mediation efforts of Qatar and Egypt, will be critical in maintaining momentum and ensuring that all parties remain committed to the process.
In conclusion, the UN Secretary-General’s welcoming of Hamas’ readiness to engage with President Trump’s ceasefire plan represents a moment of cautious optimism in the Gaza conflict. By urging all parties to act swiftly, acknowledging the mediation efforts of Qatar and Egypt, and reiterating the need for a ceasefire, hostage release, and humanitarian access, Guterres has reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to peace. The path ahead will require sustained diplomatic efforts, mutual trust, and a shared commitment to ending the suffering in Gaza. For now, the international community can only hope that this opportunity will lead to meaningful progress toward a just and lasting resolution.