Several nations welcomed the ceasefire in Gaza on Friday, pledging to help rebuild the territory once the peace deal takes hold.
The ceasefire – brokered by United States President Donald Trump and supported by Qatar, Egypt and Turkiye – includes hostage and prisoner exchanges, the withdrawal of Israeli forces to a predetermined “Yellow Line” within Gaza to allow displaced Palestinians to return to their homes, and the disarmament of Hamas.
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UN to scale up aid to Gaza
Hours after the ceasefire was struck, the United Nations pledged to intensify efforts to reach areas in Gaza affected by famine.
UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said the organization aims to deliver hundreds of aid trucks daily, reaching over two million people in need of food and around half a million requiring nutritional support.
“Famine must be reverted in areas where it has taken hold and prevented in others,” he said, as quoted by Reuters.
Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in a post on X, urged both sides to abide by the agreement and stressed that “the suffering must end.”
He also pledged the UN’s support for rebuilding Gaza.
Western countries support lasting peace in Gaza
Western countries have expressed strong support for lasting peace in Gaza following the first phase of the ceasefire agreement.
Leaders emphasized the need for full implementation of the deal, the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid, and the protection of civilians who have suffered during more than two years of conflict.
In a post on X, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the agreement “a moment of profound relief” for hostages, their families, and the people of Gaza, urging all parties to meet their commitments and lay the groundwork for a just and enduring peace.
Similarly, Canada welcomed the deal and pledged that it will “support all efforts to turn this positive step into lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians.”
Italy and Australia also pledged backing, with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani emphasizing humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stressing the importance of a two-state solution and denying Hamas a role in Gaza’s future governance.
Asian nations back ceasefire, praise mediators
Indonesia, Singapore, and the Philippines have joined other nations in expressing support for the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
In a statement on X, Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry called the deal “a significant step toward a permanent end to the violence” and urged all parties to uphold the agreement.
The ministry also praised the countries that mediated the ceasefire and reaffirmed its long-standing support for the Palestinian cause.
The Philippines described the ceasefire as a “monumental step towards de-escalation,” bringing hope to hostages and civilians affected by the conflict.
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong acknowledged the US’ contribution to the agreement, saying that it is the only country that has that ability to apply leverage and pressure not only Israel and Hamas, but also the Palestinian Authority and Arab states – to come together and reach a peace deal.
Trump confirms hostage release, plans Middle East trip
On Thursday, Trump said he expects the Israeli hostages to be released on Monday or Tuesday, while Hamas will hand over the remains of 28 people who died in captivity, ABC News reported.
He also announced plans to travel to the Middle East for an official signing of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, though the timing is still being finalized.
“We’re going to go to Egypt, where we’ll have a signing, an additional signing,” Trump said.
“We’ve already had a signing representing me, but we’re going to have an official signing.”
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