(CLO) Officials welcome announcement of ceasefire agreement, call for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The mediator nation of Qatar announced that Israel and Hamas have reached a deal to cease fire in Gaza and exchange Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. The ceasefire will take effect on January 19.
Relatives and supporters of hostages held in the Gaza Strip gather outside the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, January 14. Photo: GI/Xinhua
Here are some of the key reactions from around the world to the announcement of the ceasefire deal.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres
Mr. Guterres told reporters that the United Nations stood ready to support the agreement and "expand the provision of sustained humanitarian relief to the countless Palestinians who are still suffering."
President of the United States
"The war in Gaza will soon end and the hostages will soon be able to return home to their families," outgoing US President Joe Biden said at the White House.
"We have a deal for the hostages in the Middle East. They will be released soon. Thank you!", US President-elect Donald Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan
Mr Fidan told reporters in Ankara that the ceasefire was an important step for regional stability. He also said Türkiye’s efforts towards a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict would continue.
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani
The prime minister called for calm in the Gaza Strip until January 19, when the ceasefire comes into effect. In a post on X, he said the deal was “just a step forward,” adding that “we will continue to work until all the terms of the agreement are implemented, until we achieve peace and can turn the page on the war.”
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi
In a post on X, Mr el-Sisi welcomed the ceasefire in Gaza and stressed the importance of quickly delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
Mr Ghalibaf said in a post on X that the “valiant Palestinian resistance” had prevented the “Zionist entity” from achieving its “strategic goals”. He said the world should “punish the criminal regime” and “heal the wounds of the Palestinian people”.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia
The ministry called for a commitment to "end Israel's offensive against Gaza" and "the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the strip and all Palestinian and Arab lands…"
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan stressed "the importance that both Israel and Hamas abide by their commitments to end the suffering of Palestinian prisoners and Israeli hostages".
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan
The ministry issued a statement calling for the "immediate and full implementation" of the ceasefire agreement, expressing hope that it would lead to a permanent cessation of hostilities. "Israel's expansionist plans have destabilized the entire region," the statement said.
Houthi forces in Yemen
"We celebrate Gaza's historic and legendary resilience in the face of Israel's most brutal assault on the oppressed Palestinian people," said Mohammed Abdulsalam, a spokesman for the force. "By continuing to occupy Palestine, (Israel) represents a threat to the security and stability of the region."
South Africa
South Africa called for "a just and lasting peace that ensures the human rights of both Palestinians and Israelis are protected and promoted" after "15 months of Israel's genocidal offensive on Gaza".
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen
Ms Von der Leyen “warmly” welcomed the news of the ceasefire. She said “hostages will be reunited with their loved ones and humanitarian aid can reach civilians in Gaza.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock
“In these hours, there is hope that the hostages will finally be released and the death in Gaza will end. Everyone in charge should now ensure that this opportunity is seized,” Ms Baerbock said.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer
“After months of devastating bloodshed and countless lives lost, this is the news that Israelis and Palestinians have been waiting for,” Starmer said in an emailed statement.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez
“This agreement is crucial for achieving stability in the region. It represents an indispensable step on the path towards a two-state solution and a just peace that respects international law.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
Mr Albanese expressed hope that the agreement would “mark the beginning of a new chapter for the Israeli and Palestinian people”, giving the Palestinians “the opportunity to rebuild” and “reform their much-needed governance, while pursuing their right to self-determination”. He stressed that “Hamas will have no role in the future governance of Gaza”.
Mirjana Spoljaric, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross
“While this agreement is welcome, it is not the end,” Ms Spoljaric said. “People’s lives must be protected and their needs must be prioritised. The days ahead are critical and we are counting on all parties to uphold their commitments.”
Ngoc Anh (according to Reuters, AJ)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/the-gioi-phan-ung-the-nao-truoc-thong-bao-ngung-ban-o-gaza-post330680.html
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