Albanese, Coalition welcome Trump’s Gaza peace plan

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has welcomed US President Donald Trump’s plan to end the war in Gaza, calling on Hamas to agree to the proposal and release all remaining hostages.

“Australia welcomes President Trump’s plan to bring peace to Gaza after almost two years of conflict and a devastating loss of civilian life,” Albanese said in a statement released from Abu Dhabi.

“Australia affirms the plan’s commitment to denying Hamas any role in the future governance of Gaza, and calls on Hamas to agree to the plan, lay down its arms and release all remaining hostages.”

Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister Michaelia Cash also welcomed the plan, which was agreed to by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a White House press conference.

“The Coalition welcomes the peace plan for Gaza brokered by US President Trump and agreed to by Prime Minister Netanyahu,” Cash said. “Hamas must promptly release all the remaining Israeli hostages and lay down their weapons. We encourage the Albanese government to back the US plan.”