U.S. Blinken “welcomes release agreement… important progress”
PA: “We want ceasefire extension and political solution”
Qatar, EU, Russia and Australia also “welcome the agreement”
When Israel and Hamas agreed to a temporary ceasefire in exchange for the release of hostages, each country expressed their welcome.
U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken said in a statement on the 22nd (local time), “The United States welcomes Hamas’ agreement to release 50 hostages, including U.S. citizens.”
Secretary Blinken said, “Today’s result is the result of tireless diplomacy and tireless efforts across the State Department and the U.S. government,” and also expressed gratitude to the governments of Egypt, Qatar, and Israel.
“This agreement is an important step forward, but we will not rest as long as Hamas continues to hold hostages,” he said. “We will continue to work to ensure that all hostages are released and reunited with their families as soon as possible.”
Previously, U.S. President Joe Biden also welcomed the ceasefire plan in a statement.
Qatar, which mediated the negotiations, said it hoped the agreement would lead to a peace process.
Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed Al Thani said, “We are grateful to our partners, especially the United States and Egypt, who contributed to reaching a humanitarian ceasefire agreement. “I hope there will be an agreement,” he said.
The Palestinian Authority (PA), which governs the West Bank, also expressed its welcome.
Hussein al-Sheikh, Secretary-General of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), said on social media, “(PA) appreciates the (mediation) efforts of Qatar and Egypt,” and added, “We want to extend the ceasefire and implement a political solution based on international legitimacy.” .
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mariya Zakharova said in a comment to local media outlet Izvestiya, “We welcome (the ceasefire agreement),” and added, “This is what Russia has been demanding since the conflict.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also said in a statement, “I sincerely welcome the agreement on the release of hostages and a cessation of hostilities,” and “Thank you to everyone who has worked tirelessly to reach an agreement through diplomatic channels in recent weeks.” “I give it to you,” he said.
“We urge the terrorist Hamas to immediately release all hostages and allow them to safely return home,” he said, adding, “The European Commission will do its best to use this ceasefire as an opportunity to provide humanitarian support to the Gaza Strip.” .
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong also welcomed these negotiations, saying, “These negotiations are a sign of progress,” adding, “Australia has continued to call for the release of hostages, humanitarian access, and protection of civilian lives.”
“I want to see the next steps toward a sustainable ceasefire,” he said. “What we see today is progress toward each of these goals.”
At a cabinet meeting on this day, the Israeli cabinet approved an agreement calling for a temporary ceasefire for four days in exchange for the release of 50 hostages.
The process of receiving public opposition petitions is currently underway, and the agreement is expected to go into effect as early as the 23rd.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.