EU welcomes ceasefire agreement in Gaza

The EU has released an official statement in connection with the agreement on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages, a Kazinform correspondent reports.

 “The EU warmly welcomes the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, which will allow the phased release of the hostages - ending their terrible ordeal that has lasted for more than 15 months – end hostilities and ease the humanitarian suffering in Gaza,” a statement from EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas reads.

As the European diplomat emphasized, there are several EU citizens among the hostages.

“We are relieved that the hostages, including several EU nationals, will finally be reunited with their loved ones and that much needed humanitarian aid will reach civilians in Gaza,” Kaja Kallas notes.

The EU believes that it is vital that the deal is fully implemented to allow all the hostages to be released, and to ensure a permanent end to hostilities.

Kaja Kallas expressed her gratitude to the US, Egypt and Qatar for their efforts in negotiating the ceasefire.

“This is a significant achievement, which should have positive repercussions across the Middle East. Since the horrific Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel on 7 October, 2023, hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians have been caught up in violence which has spread across the region. The EU deeply deplores the unacceptable number of civilians, especially children, who have lost their lives,” she points out.

The EU calls for full and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid to the Gaza strip and that aid can be effectively distributed to those in need, including by UN agencies and notably UNRWA. Displaced Gazans should be ensured a safe and dignified return to their homes.

The EU highlights its commitment to a just, comprehensive and lasting peace based on the two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security.

“We will contribute to this objective through support to the Palestinian Authority to help it address its most pressing needs and support the reform agenda, and engagement with Israel and international partners in order to revive the political process,” the statement reads.

On Saturday, January 18, Israeli Cabinet approved Gaza ceasefire deal with Hamas. At the same time, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a statement less than 12 hours before the truce between Israel and Hamas began, saying that Israel reserves the right to resume the war.

Earlier, it was reported that the UN Secretary General, António Guterres, welcomed the announcement of ceasefire deal in Gaza.