Macron welcomes hostage releases, pledges France’s commitment to Trump’s peace plan for Middle East

French President, Emmanuel Macron has welcomed the release of the first seven Israeli hostages from Gaza on Monday morning, describing the development as a crucial step toward regional peace.

“I share the joy of the families and of the Israeli people as seven hostages have just been handed over to the Red Cross,” Macron wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

“With their release, and that of the thirteen other hostages expected this morning, peace becomes possible for Israel, for Gaza, and for the region.”

The hostage release follows last week’s agreement between Israel and Hamas, marking the first phase of a US-brokered ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal, part of President Donald Trump’s peace plan aimed at ending the Gaza conflict.

Macron, who is attending the Sharm El-Sheikh summit in Egypt alongside dozens of world leaders, reaffirmed France’s support for the initiative.

“France will be involved in every stage of President Trump’s plan, alongside the Arab partners it helped mobilize,” he said.

The French leader’s remarks signal growing international backing for Washington’s renewed diplomatic push, which seeks to stabilize the region following years of violence and humanitarian crisis.