Australian PM Commends Middle East Ceasefire as Positive Move Towards Peace
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Synopsis
On January 16, Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised the recent ceasefire in the Middle East, viewing it as a constructive measure towards establishing peace and stability. He emphasized the importance of ongoing international collaboration for a viable two-state solution.
Key Takeaways
- Australian PM Anthony Albanese supports the ceasefire.
- The ceasefire marks a new chapter for Israel and Palestine.
- Humanitarian needs in Gaza are a priority.
- Qatar, Egypt, and the US brokered the ceasefire.
- Initial hostage releases are prioritized for vulnerable groups.
Canberra, Jan 16 (NationPress) Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his approval of the ceasefire in the Middle East, deeming it a positive move towards achieving peace and stability.
Albanese indicated that the six-week ceasefire between Israel and Hamas signifies the start of a "new chapter" for both the Israeli and Palestinian communities, according to a report from the Xinhua news agency.
"This agreement is a constructive step towards peace and stability in the region," he shared with reporters in Canberra.
He expressed that Australia's thoughts are with all the civilians who have been killed, displaced, or taken hostage amid the conflict, as well as with the many humanitarian workers who have lost their lives.
Albanese reaffirmed that the Australian government would keep collaborating with the international community to promote a two-state solution, envisioning Israel and Palestine coexisting peacefully and securely within recognized borders, while also addressing the urgent humanitarian needs of the Gazan population.
The ceasefire agreement was facilitated following extensive negotiations in Doha by Qatar, Egypt, and the US.
Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani revealed that 33 Israeli hostages would be released during the initial 42-day phase, which could pave the way for a lasting ceasefire.
The initial release will focus on women, children, the elderly, and those who are ill or injured.
US President Joe Biden confirmed this vital advancement on Wednesday, stating, "it is a very good afternoon now". He added, "Soon, the hostages will return home to their families."
Biden indicated that Israel would release Palestinian prisoners in exchange.
During the first phase of the ceasefire, Biden remarked, "Palestinians can return home to their neighborhoods and humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip will be increased."
Throughout the ceasefire, Israeli forces are anticipated to withdraw from heavily populated regions of Gaza to facilitate prisoner exchanges, the return of displaced persons, and the recovery of remains.
The conflict, which ignited on October 7, 2023, has resulted in significant casualties.
The Hamas attack on southern Israel claimed around 1,200 lives and led to the kidnapping of roughly 250 individuals. Israel's ensuing military actions in Gaza have resulted in over 46,000 Palestinian casualties, as reported by the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry.
The ceasefire is expected to commence on Sunday at 12:15 pm local time, pending approval from Israel's Cabinet and Supreme Court.
