World leaders welcomed news of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, but warned that it must allow for the rapid delivery of humanitarian aid and ensure lasting peace.
Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri called the agreement a great victory that perpetuates the legend created through the steadfastness of Gaza, its people and through the courage of their resistance.”
“It is also a new confirmation of the occupation’s failure to achieve any of its goals,” he said.
The Turkish head of diplomacy, Hakan Fidan, declared the agreement an important step for regional stability, and announced that Turkish efforts to establish a two-state solution are continuing.
The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said that the agreement “brings hope to the entire region where people have endured extreme suffering for too long.”
“Both sides must fully implement this agreement, which will be the first step towards permanent stability in the region and a diplomatic solution to the conflict,” she added.
The German head of diplomacy, Analena Baerbock, expressed her hope that the hostages will finally be released and that the deaths in Gaza will stop.
“Everyone responsible must now ensure that this opportunity is taken advantage of,” she said.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said it was “long overdue news”, after months of bloodshed and the loss of countless lives.
“For the innocent Palestinians whose homes have been turned into war zones overnight and many who have lost their lives, this ceasefire must allow a major acceleration in the delivery of humanitarian aid, so desperately needed to end the suffering in Gaza,” the Labour MP said.
“And “then our attention must turn to how to secure a lasting better future for the Israeli and Palestinian people – based on a two-state solution that guarantees security and stability for Israel, alongside a sovereign and viable state of Palestine,” the Briton concluded.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Minister Kaja Kalas also expressed support for the ceasefire, calling it a significant step forward.
“I welcome the ceasefire and the agreement to release the hostages. This is a major, positive step towards ending the violence. Now is the time to implement this agreement for all the hostages and their families, the people Gaza and the people of the region,” said Kalas.
Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Kroo expressed relief that the agreement would bring freedom to the prisoners, their families and their families and the people of Gaza.
“Let us hope that this ceasefire will put an end to the fighting and mark the beginning of a sustainable peace. Belgium stands ready to help,” he said.
Dutch Foreign Minister Kaspar Veldkamp echoed these sentiments, calling the ceasefire a crucial step, stressing the need for its sustainability.
“Positive news on the ceasefire in Gaza. It is now crucial that the agreement is upheld and hostilities end, allowing the Israeli hostages to return home safely and ensuring that the people of Gaza receive the humanitarian assistance they so urgently need.” , Veldkamp said.
He also praised the efforts of international mediators.
“I commend the US, Egypt and Qatar for their mediation efforts. In close coordination with regional and international partners, the Netherlands is continuously advocating for an agreement. May this be the first step towards a lasting and lasting peace “, he concluded.
Husam Zomlot, the ambassador of the State of Palestine to the UK, shared his deep relief at the ceasefire but warned of the lasting effects of the violence.
“We breathe a huge sigh of relief at the possible ceasefire agreement after 15 months of mass killings and total destruction in Gaza. The world will see the magnitude of Israel’s criminal and genocidal aggression. They will see the cost of the collective failure to stop the genocide. Now let the journey of healing begin, starting with burying our dead, tending to our wounded, providing for basic human needs and restoring livelihoods. The world must not let us down again,” Ambassador Zomlot said.
