Arab Countries Welcome Ceasefire Agreement in Gaza
Arab countries have welcomed a deal on a ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, reached after more than a year of intensive negotiations with Egyptian, Qatari, and US mediators.
Egyptian President’s Statement
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi welcomed the ceasefire agreement on Facebook, emphasizing the urgent need to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. "This agreement highlights the importance of quickly providing critical aid to the people of Gaza to address the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe, without any obstacles, until a sustainable peace is achieved through a two-state solution," he said. Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to supporting a just peace, remaining a steadfast partner in achieving it and defending the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
Regional Reactions
The Jordanian Foreign Ministry appreciated the efforts made by Egypt, Qatar, and the US to reach the agreement, reiterating the need for full adherence to it. Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi stressed the necessity of launching an immediate international initiative to deliver sufficient and sustainable humanitarian aid to address the humanitarian disaster caused by the Israeli aggression on Gaza. Jordan will continue providing humanitarian aid to Gaza and supporting the Palestinian people in their pursuit of their full legitimate rights to achieve a just peace.
Lebanese Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati welcomed the announcement, saying, "This announcement closes a bloody chapter in the history of the Palestinian people, who have suffered greatly due to Israeli aggression." He hoped that the ceasefire will be sustainable and that Israel will adhere to it, paving the way for a final resolution to the Palestinian issue and granting Palestinians their legitimate rights.
Saudi Arabia also welcomed the announcement, noting the need for adherence to the agreement, the cessation of Israeli aggression on Gaza, the complete withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from the Gaza Strip and all Palestinian and Arab territories, and the return of displaced people to their areas. The Saudi Foreign Ministry stressed the importance of building on this agreement to address the root cause of the conflict by enabling the Palestinian people to obtain their rights, foremost among them the establishment of their independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Qatari Prime Minister’s Statement
Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani confirmed the agreement at a news conference in Doha, which will begin Sunday. He outlined the first phase, which will last for 42 days and include the release of 33 Israeli detainees in exchange for several Palestinian prisoners.
Humanitarian Crisis
The announcement comes on day 467 of Israel’s genocide against Gaza, which with US backing has caused more than 156,000 casualties, most of them women and children. The war has left more than 11,000 people missing, with widespread destruction and a humanitarian crisis that has claimed the lives of many elderly people and children in one of the worst global humanitarian disasters in recent times.
Conclusion
The ceasefire agreement in Gaza is a crucial step towards achieving a sustainable peace in the region. Arab countries have welcomed the deal, emphasizing the need for humanitarian aid and a just peace. The international community must continue to support the Palestinian people in their pursuit of their full legitimate rights.
FAQs
Q: What is the significance of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza?
A: The ceasefire agreement is a crucial step towards achieving a sustainable peace in the region, bringing an end to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Q: Who are the parties involved in the agreement?
A: The agreement was reached between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, with Egyptian, Qatari, and US mediators.
Q: What are the terms of the agreement?
A: The agreement includes the release of 33 Israeli detainees in exchange for several Palestinian prisoners and a 42-day ceasefire period.
Q: What is the humanitarian situation in Gaza like?
A: The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is one of the worst in recent times, with more than 156,000 casualties, 11,000 people missing, and widespread destruction.