Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and High Representative Kaja Kallas welcome the Gaza ceasefire agreement.
In a post on X, the commission president stated that she warmly welcomed the ceasefire and hostage release agreement in Gaza.
“Hostages will be reunited with their loved ones, and humanitarian assistance can advance to civilians in Gaza.
This brings hope to an entire region where people have tolerated immense suffering for far too long.
Both parties must fully implement this deal as a stepping stone toward lasting stability in the region and a diplomatic resolution of the conflict.”
She further said.
I warmly welcome the ceasefire and hostage release agreement in Gaza.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) January 15, 2025
Hostages will be reunited with their loved ones and humanitarian aid can reach civilians in Gaza.
This brings hope to an entire region, where people have endured immense suffering for far too long.
Both…
Kaja Kallas, EU Foreign policy Chief, in a statement on X, said,
“I welcome the ceasefire and hostage release agreement.
This is a major, positive breakthrough towards ending the violence.
It is now time to deliver this agreement for all hostages and their families, the people of Gaza, and the people of the region.”
I welcome the ceasefire and hostage release agreement.
— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) January 15, 2025
This is a major, positive breakthrough towards ending the violence.
It is now time to deliver this agreement for all hostages and their families, the people of Gaza, and the people of the region.
How does the ceasefire aim to bring stability?
The new ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, facilitated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, represents a major stride towards ending an ongoing war that has ravaged Gaza and caused extensive death tolls on both sides. The first stage calls for a six-week truce in which there will be an end to the hostilities; Israeli troops would withdraw from Gaza’s populated regions, and several Israeli hostages held, such as women and children, would be released in exchange for around 1,000 Palestinian prisoners.
This phase also aims to improve humanitarian access to the people of Gaza, ensuring that basic supplies are delivered in the face of ongoing shortages. The successful implementation of these terms is crucial for building trust between the parties and laying the groundwork for subsequent negotiations.
It shows that the agreement does provide for a second phase, which would concentrate the further negotiations on the return of the remaining Israeli hostages, including male soldiers.
This phase aims to translate the temporary ceasefire into a permanent one on the condition of fruitful dialogue. The last stage includes the reconstruction of Gaza, heavily destroyed by war, and ensures the repatriation of the remains of any fallen hostage to his or her family.
