Christodoulides Hails Gaza Ceasefire

“I welcome the ceasefire agreement in Gaza with the priority of the release of all hostages and the movement of critical humanitarian aid,” he said, adding that “this is an incredibly important moment”.

He also praised the United States, Egypt, and Qatar for their efforts towards reaching the ceasefire, and added that “the maintenance of this agreement is of paramount importance for regional stability and security”.

Meanwhile, European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Suica also said she welcomed the agreement, saying it will bring “much-needed relief to those affected by this devastating conflict”.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also welcomed the ceasefire, adding, “we hope the agreement will be beneficial for our region and all of humanity, especially our Palestinian brothers, and that it will open the door to lasting peace and stability”.

According to Reuters, the initial ceasefire will last for six weeks and will see Israeli forces gradually withdraw from Gaza, while hostages held by Hamas will gradually be released.

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said the ceasefire would take effect on Sunday.

Hamas told Reuters it had handed mediators its approval for the ceasefire agreement, while Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said he was cutting short a trip to Europe to be able to take part in government votes to approve the deal, which are likely to be held in the early part of Thursday.

Its acting leader in Gaza Khalil al-Hayya said Israel “failed to achieve its goals” in Gaza, and vowed that Hamas will “neither forgive nor forget”.

Source: Cyprus Mail