Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed strong support for a ceasefire initiative in Gaza proposed by US President Donald Trump, describing it as a critical step toward fostering global peace and stability. In a statement shared on Telegram, Zelenskyy emphasized the broader implications of the plan, noting that achieving lasting peace in the Middle East would have positive ramifications far beyond the region. “It is important that the prospect of establishing lasting peace in the Middle East is drawing closer to being realized. This matters not only for that one region, but for the whole world,” he wrote. He further underscored the interconnected nature of global security, stating, “If violence and war are halted in one part of the world, global security increases for all.” Zelenskyy extended his gratitude to Trump and the United States for their leadership in advancing this initiative, while also expressing hope that similar international efforts could help bring peace to Ukraine and its region.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry echoed Zelenskyy’s sentiments, issuing a formal statement that praised the agreements reached between Israel and Hamas as part of the first phase of Trump’s ceasefire plan. The ministry highlighted the importance of these agreements, which focus on ending hostilities, securing the release of hostages, and addressing the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. “Ukraine highly values the leadership of the United States and the personal role of President Donald Trump in mediating and seeking solutions that pave the way for ending the bloodshed, releasing hostages, and alleviating the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip,” the statement read. The ministry also acknowledged the significant diplomatic contributions of Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye in facilitating the negotiations that led to this breakthrough.
The Foreign Ministry described the agreements as a foundational step toward achieving long-term stability in the Middle East, which it believes will contribute to strengthening international peace and security. The statement called on all parties involved to adhere to the terms of the agreements and implement them fully and responsibly. “We call on all parties to fully and conscientiously implement them,” the ministry urged, emphasizing the need for commitment to ensure the success of the ceasefire and its broader objectives.
On Thursday, President Trump announced that both Israel and Hamas had agreed to the initial phase of his proposed ceasefire plan. This phase includes critical steps such as the release of hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli troops to a predetermined line. Trump acknowledged the mediation efforts of Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye, crediting their diplomatic work for helping to secure the agreement. The announcement marks a significant milestone in efforts to de-escalate the conflict in Gaza, which has been a source of intense violence and suffering for years.
The ceasefire plan itself, unveiled by Trump on September 29, is a comprehensive 20-point proposal aimed at addressing both immediate and long-term challenges in the region. The first phase focuses on de-escalation and humanitarian priorities, including the release of all Israeli captives held in Gaza in exchange for approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. It also calls for a permanent ceasefire and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the entirety of the Gaza Strip. These measures are intended to create a foundation for stability and pave the way for further negotiations.
The second phase of the plan introduces more structural changes to the governance and security framework in Gaza. It proposes the establishment of a new governing mechanism that excludes Hamas, aiming to create a political structure that can foster stability without the influence of the militant group. Additionally, the plan envisions the creation of a security force composed of Palestinian personnel alongside troops from Arab and Islamic countries. This force would be tasked with maintaining order and ensuring security in the region. The disarmament of Hamas is another key component, aimed at reducing the potential for future violence.
Beyond security and governance, the plan addresses the need for reconstruction and economic recovery in Gaza, which has suffered extensive damage due to prolonged conflict. It calls for funding from Arab and Islamic countries to support the rebuilding of infrastructure and the establishment of a new administration. The Palestinian Authority is given a limited role in this process, reflecting a cautious approach to its involvement in Gaza’s future governance. The emphasis on external funding and regional cooperation highlights the plan’s reliance on collective international support to achieve its objectives.
Zelenskyy’s endorsement of the ceasefire plan reflects Ukraine’s broader interest in global peace initiatives, particularly as the country itself grapples with ongoing conflict. By drawing parallels between the pursuit of peace in the Middle East and Ukraine’s own aspirations for stability, Zelenskyy underscored the interconnected nature of global security challenges. His comments suggest a belief that successful conflict resolution in one region can serve as a model for others, including Ukraine, which has been seeking international support to end its own war.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry’s statement further reinforces this perspective, framing the Gaza ceasefire as part of a larger effort to strengthen global stability. By praising the diplomatic efforts of the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye, Ukraine positions itself as a supporter of multilateral initiatives aimed at resolving conflicts through dialogue and negotiation. The ministry’s call for full implementation of the agreements reflects a pragmatic recognition that the success of the ceasefire depends on the commitment of all parties to uphold their obligations.
The broader context of the Gaza ceasefire plan highlights its significance as a potential turning point in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. For years, the region has been marked by cycles of violence, with Gaza experiencing devastating military operations, blockades, and humanitarian crises. The agreement to move forward with the first phase of Trump’s plan represents a rare moment of consensus between Israel and Hamas, two parties with a long history of enmity. The inclusion of external mediators such as Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye underscores the importance of regional actors in facilitating dialogue and building trust between conflicting parties.
However, the road to lasting peace in Gaza remains fraught with challenges. The first phase of the ceasefire plan, while significant, is only the beginning of a complex process that will require sustained effort and cooperation. The release of hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli forces are critical steps, but their implementation will test the goodwill and reliability of both sides. The second phase, with its focus on governance and reconstruction, introduces additional complexities, including the question of how to establish a viable administration in Gaza without Hamas’s involvement.
Moreover, the plan’s reliance on external funding and security forces raises questions about the long-term sustainability of its proposals. The willingness of Arab and Islamic countries to contribute resources and personnel will be crucial, as will the ability of the new governing mechanism to gain legitimacy among the Palestinian population. The limited role of the Palestinian Authority also complicates the political dynamics, as it may face resistance from both Hamas and other factions within Palestinian society.
For Ukraine, the Gaza ceasefire plan serves as both a hopeful precedent and a reminder of the challenges inherent in resolving entrenched conflicts. Zelenskyy’s comments reflect a strategic effort to align Ukraine with global peace initiatives while drawing attention to its own need for international support. By endorsing Trump’s plan, Ukraine signals its commitment to the principles of diplomacy and multilateralism, even as it navigates its own difficult path toward peace.
In conclusion, the Gaza ceasefire plan, as welcomed by Zelenskyy and Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry, represents a significant step toward addressing one of the world’s most protracted conflicts. The plan’s focus on de-escalation, hostage release, and long-term stabilization aligns with broader goals of global security and humanitarian relief. While challenges remain, the agreement to implement the first phase of the plan offers hope for progress in the Middle East, with potential ripple effects for other conflict zones, including Ukraine. As the international community watches the implementation of this initiative, the emphasis on cooperation, mediation, and commitment to peace will be critical to its success.
