World leaders have welcomed news that Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire agreement after 15 months of bloodshed in the Gaza Strip, calling on both sides to seize the opportunity to end the conflict and the resulting humanitarian crisis. Ta.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said member states stood ready to support implementation of the agreement and “scale up the provision of sustained humanitarian relief to the countless suffering Palestinians.”
US President Joe Biden said the Palestinian people “went through hell,” adding: “Too many innocent people have died. Too many communities have been destroyed. Under this deal, The people of Gaza can finally recover and rebuild.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the agreement would reunite hostages with their loved ones and allow humanitarian aid to reach Gaza.
“This brings hope to this entire region, where people have endured untold suffering for far too long,” she said. “Both parties must fully implement this agreement as a stepping stone towards lasting stability in the region and a diplomatic solution to the conflict.”
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his hope that the agreement would:[open] This is the door to a permanent end to the war and to improving the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. He said the agreement must be “fulfilled to the letter” and all hostages released.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the agreement as “news that the Israeli and Palestinian people have been waiting for for many years.” Once humanitarian aid reaches those in need in Gaza, “our attention will turn to how we can create a permanently better future for the Israeli and Palestinian people, based on a two-state solution that guarantees Israel's security and stability.” We have to look at how we can ensure this,” Starmer added. alongside a sovereign and viable Palestinian state.”
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who has played a central role in the negotiations, praised his country's tireless efforts, saying that Egypt “has always been faithful to its pledges and a supporter of a just peace.” We will continue to be a loyal country.” We are partners in achieving that and defenders of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. ”
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has been a vocal critic of Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip, said: “We honor the heroic people of Gaza who bravely defended their land and freedom from Israel's illegal attacks.'' I salute you and your brave sons.” inhuman attack. ”
Spain's Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who has been one of Europe's most outspoken critics of Israel's war in Gaza, welcomed the news and said: “The conflict must end and Gaza's terrible We must leave the humanitarian situation alone.” This will lead to the release of all hostages. ”
Sanchez also expressed hope that a ceasefire could be “an essential step on the path to a two-state solution and a just peace that respects international law.”
Belgian Prime Minister Alexander de Croo, who had also criticized Israel's actions in the conflict, said: “I feel great relief for the hostages, their families and the people of Gaza. This ceasefire brings an end to the fighting. Let's hope this is the beginning of lasting peace.”
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gare Store called for strengthening Palestinian institutions to “assume full control and responsibility, including in the Gaza Strip.” He also called for “credible security guarantees” for both Israel and the Palestinians, and said solutions must be rooted in the region.
Irish leader Simon Harris, who along with Spain and Norway formally recognized a Palestinian state in May last year, said the news was “welcome after 15 months of untold human suffering and destruction”. said.
He added: “All sides should seize this opportunity, and the international community should also play its part, by rapidly increasing aid to Gaza and supporting the new Palestinian Authority to bring stability and governance to Gaza.” I hope that they will work to put in place a process that will bring about this.” It may lead to peace. ”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's office welcomed “an important opportunity to significantly increase humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza.”
Italy “joins European and international partners for the stabilization and reconstruction of Gaza, with the aim of restarting the political process towards a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, based on a two-state solution with Israel” We are ready to cooperate with them.” The Palestinian states live side by side in peace and security within mutually recognized borders. ”
Agence France-Presse and Reuters contributed to this report
