EU Applauds Ceasefire Pact in Gaza
Click to start listening
Synopsis
High-ranking officials from the EU have welcomed a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, urging both parties to adhere to the terms. This deal is seen as a vital step towards lasting peace and stability in the region.
Key Takeaways
- EU officials commend the ceasefire agreement.
- Hope is restored for the affected region.
- Implementation is crucial for lasting stability.
- Israel and Hamas agree on a hostage exchange.
- Negotiations are ongoing for final terms.
Brussels, Jan 16 (NationPress) European Union (EU) leaders have expressed their approval of a recent ceasefire agreement in Gaza, urging both sides to adhere to its terms. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen remarked, "This brings hope to the entire region, where people have endured immense suffering for far too long," as reported by the Xinhua news agency on her X account.
She emphasized the necessity for both parties to fully implement this agreement as a pivotal step towards enduring stability in the region and a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing conflict.
Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, also commented on X, stating, "This is a significant, positive breakthrough towards ending the violence."
On Wednesday evening, Qatar announced that Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire-for-hostages agreement in Gaza. Under this deal, Hamas is set to release 33 hostages within the first phase, which will last six weeks, in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners. The execution of the agreement is scheduled to commence on Sunday, January 19, with further details regarding the second and third phases to be disclosed following the completion of the initial phase.
The US and mediators from Qatar confirmed that Israel and Hamas have agreed on a deal that could bring an end to the conflict in Gaza and facilitate the release of Israeli hostages alongside Palestinian prisoners.
This marks a potential significant breakthrough after 15 months of warfare, initiated by Hamas's attack on Israel in October 2023.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mentioned that several clauses remain unresolved, which he hopes to finalize by Wednesday evening.
A finalized deal would lead to a cessation of hostilities and an exchange of hostages and prisoners.
During its assault on Israel in October 2023, Hamas captured 251 hostages, with 94 still held captive; however, Israel estimates that only 60 of them are alive.
In return for the hostages, Israel is anticipated to release around 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, many of whom have been incarcerated for extended periods.
