Kremlin Embraces Any Gaza Ceasefire Agreement
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Synopsis
Moscow has expressed its support for any agreement that leads to a ceasefire in Gaza, according to Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov. The ceasefire is part of a deal brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the US, which involves the release of hostages and the potential for a more permanent resolution.
Key Takeaways
- Moscow endorses a ceasefire in Gaza.
- The agreement includes a 42-day ceasefire phase.
- Immediate release of 33 Israeli hostages prioritized.
- Palestinian humanitarian aid is set to increase.
- Israeli forces may withdraw from populated areas.
Moscow, Jan 17 (NationPress) Moscow endorses any agreement that could facilitate a ceasefire in Gaza, stated Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
“Any resolution that leads to a ceasefire and alleviates the suffering of the people in Gaza, while enhancing Israel's security, is certainly welcome,” Peskov remarked on Thursday during a daily briefing, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Following extensive mediation by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire-for-hostages agreement, as announced by Qatar's Prime Minister on Wednesday.
The deal includes a preliminary 42-day phase, during which the intense fighting in Gaza will cease.
This ceasefire agreement was established after weeks of negotiations in Doha led 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 potentially transition into a permanent ceasefire.
The first release will focus on women, children, the elderly, and those who are sick or injured.
US President Joe Biden confirmed this significant development during a Wednesday briefing, stating, “it is a very good afternoon now.” He added, “Soon, the hostages will return home to their families.”
Biden also mentioned that Israel would reciprocate by releasing Palestinian prisoners.
During this initial phase of the ceasefire deal, “Palestinians can return home to their neighborhoods, and humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip will increase.”
During the ceasefire, Israeli forces are anticipated to withdraw from densely populated areas of Gaza to aid in prisoner exchanges, the safe return of displaced individuals, and the recovery of remains.
The conflict, which erupted on October 7, 2023, has led to catastrophic casualties.
The assault by Hamas on southern Israel resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 individuals and the abduction of approximately 250 people. The subsequent Israeli offensive in Gaza has caused more than 46,000 Palestinian fatalities, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry.
