“A decisive step”, “a great relief”… The agreement between Israel and Hamas on the release of hostages was welcomed around the world

The first tangible sign of respite is being welcomed around the world. Several countries welcomed this Wednesday morning the agreement reached between Israel and Hamas for the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip since October 7th. The terrorist organization must release at least 50 people in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and a four-day truce in the Palestinian enclave.

President of the Republic Emmanuel Macron congratulated this announcement at the end of the morning, ensuring they are working “tirelessly to ensure the release of all hostages.” Eight French citizens were among those abducted early last month. A total of 240 hostages are being held in the Gaza Strip.

The head of state is also due to receive foreign ministers from several Arab and Muslim countries this Wednesday to discuss “the situation in the Middle East,” the Elysee Palace announced.

The “success” of the mediation was welcomed

THAT Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is at the center of the negotiations, welcomed on the “success” of the joint mediation with Egypt and the United States, adding that he hoped that “this truce will allow for a global and lasting agreement that puts an end to the war machine (…) and leads to serious discussions with a view to a “comprehensive and just peace process”. Doha has been working with Washington and Cairo for several weeks to reach an agreement between the two sides.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi also praised the “success of mediation” by the three countries, as well as the Palestinian “exchange of hostages for prisoners.” For his part, US President Joe Biden said he was “extremely pleased” that “many of these brave souls (…) will be reunited with their families once this agreement is fully implemented.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said this Wednesday her “gratitude to all those who worked tirelessly” to reach this agreement. “The European Commission will do everything in its power to take advantage of this pause and organize an increase in humanitarian assistance to Gaza,” she added, assuring that she wants to “intensify (aid) deliveries to Gaza as quickly as possible.” .

Japan, for its part, “appreciated the efforts of the countries concerned,” government spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno said. He also called the truce “an important step towards the release of hostages and improvement of the humanitarian situation.”

A ‘decisive step’ in resolving the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip

In Europe, reactions were numerous, with governments in particular calling to take advantage of the truce and send aid to the Palestinian enclave. Head of British diplomacy David Cameron spoke about “an important step for the release of the families of the hostages and the resolution of the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip,” calling on “all parties to ensure full compliance with the agreement.”

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni “with great relief” welcomed the resolution, which should also “allow a much-needed humanitarian pause in the Gaza Strip.” Germany, for its part, welcomed the “progress” that “must be used to provide vital assistance to the residents” of Gaza. And Madrid wanted “Palestinian civilians to be protected” and also demanded the release of “all hostages.”

The head of Greek diplomacy, Giorgos Gerapetritis, said it was now necessary to “ensure the immediate and unhindered flow of humanitarian aid and provide medical assistance to those who need it.” The truce “will help alleviate the humanitarian crisis and contribute to de-escalation,” Chinese diplomatic spokesman Mao Ning also emphasized.

“This is the first good news from the Gaza Strip in a very long time,” Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded this Wednesday to journalists who asked him questions about Moscow’s reaction. He added that Russia and “most countries in the world” had called for such a truce to be necessary for any “long-term solution” to the conflict.