Gaza ceasefire welcomed by US, Europe, Russia, & China

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
22 Nov 2023 17:01
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A US official has announced that three American prisoners held by the Palestinian Resistance in Gaza would be released as part of the first stage of the ceasefire agreement.

Palestinians search for survivors of the Israeli bombing in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. (AP)

Several international parties have welcomed the recent announcement regarding a 4-day humanitarian pause with the Israeli occupation, achieved through Qatari and Egyptian mediation efforts after difficult and complex negotiations.

The agreement entails releasing 50 Israeli women and minors (under 19) held captive in Gaza in exchange for the liberation of 150 Palestinian women and minors (under 19) imprisoned in Israeli jails.

US thanks Qatar and Egypt

Following the announcement of the ceasefire, US President Joe Biden expressed his support for the agreement, thanking both the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, for their efforts in reaching this agreement.

The US president stated that the ceasefire agreement is expected to result in the release of more American captives, adding that he will not stop until all are released.

A US official had announced that three American prisoners held by the Palestinian Resistance in Gaza would be released as part of the first stage of the ceasefire agreement reached in Gaza.

European officials describe the ceasefire as a foundational step

The United Kingdom also welcomed the announced ceasefire agreement, seeing it as a "foundational step" for the release of captives and relieving the humanitarian crisis.

"This agreement represents a foundational step towards providing relief to the families of the hostages and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza," British Foreign Minister David Cameron said.

On her part, the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Catherine Colonna, expressed her country's hopes that there would be French nationals among the prisoners to be released as part of the humanitarian ceasefire.

She also commended Qatar particularly, which played a key role in mediating the agreement.

Similarly, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, welcomed the agreement, calling for "making use of this pause to intensify humanitarian aid."

Russia & China welcome ceasefire

On her part, the spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maria Zakharova, stated that her country welcomes the announced humanitarian truce agreement, emphasizing that "this is what Russia has called for since the beginning of the escalation in the conflict."

China also welcomed the announced agreement. The spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mao Ning, expressed hope that "the agreement will help alleviate the humanitarian crisis and contribute to reducing escalation and tensions."

She added that "since the outbreak of the current round of war, China has called for a ceasefire and has made continuous efforts to calm the situation, protect civilians, and provide humanitarian assistance."

In Detail

On the military level

The cessation of all hostilities from both sides.
A halt of all Israeli military actions in all areas of the Gaza Strip.
The cessation of Israeli military vehicle movement in the Gaza Strip.
Israeli military overflights in the southern Gaza Strip will be halted for four consecutive days.
Israeli military overflights in the northern Gaza Strip will be limited to six hours daily.

On the humanitarian level

Hundreds of trucks carrying humanitarian, relief, and medical aid will reach all areas of the Gaza Strip without exception.
Fuel deliveries will be allowed into the Gaza Strip.