EU Officials Welcome Gaza Ceasefire Agreement, Call for Full Implementation
High-ranking European Union (EU) officials have expressed support for the recently announced ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, urging both sides to fully implement the deal as a crucial step toward lasting peace in the region.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of the agreement, stating that it brings hope to a region that has endured immense suffering. In a message shared on her X account, von der Leyen said, “Both parties must fully implement this agreement, as a stepping stone toward lasting stability in the region and a diplomatic resolution of the conflict.”
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, also welcomed the ceasefire, calling it a “major, positive breakthrough towards ending the violence.”
The agreement, announced on Wednesday evening by Qatar, marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict that has gripped Gaza for over 15 months. According to the terms, Hamas will release 33 hostages in the first phase of the deal, spanning six weeks, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The deal’s implementation is set to begin on Sunday, January 19, with the details of subsequent phases to be revealed once the first phase is completed.
The ceasefire deal comes after a protracted war that erupted in October 2023 when Hamas launched an attack on Israel. Since then, the conflict has resulted in widespread casualties, with Hamas holding 94 Israeli hostages, of whom Israel believes only 60 may still be alive. In return for the release of hostages, Israel is expected to free approximately 1,000 Palestinian prisoners.
While Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the agreement, he noted that several clauses were still to be finalized. However, the ceasefire and the potential exchange of hostages and prisoners represent a dramatic breakthrough in the long-running conflict.
EU leaders have called on both Israel and Hamas to ensure the successful implementation of the deal as part of the broader effort to end the violence and work toward a peaceful resolution.
