BRUSSELS, Jan 15 (KUNA) -- The European Union welcomed on Wednesday the ceasefire agreement as well as the release of hostages in Gaza, calling on both parties to fully implement the agreement.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a post on X that the announced agreement would allow humanitarian aid to reach civilians in the Gaza Strip, noting that "it brings hope to an entire region, where people have endured immense suffering for far too long." Von der Leyen stressed the need for both parties to fully implement the terms of the agreement, which she said would represent "a step toward lasting stability in the region and a diplomatic resolution of the conflict." For her part, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, welcomed in a post on X the ceasefire and hostages' release agreement, considering it "a positive and major breakthrough towards ending the violence." Meanwhile, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola stated that the announcement of the ceasefire in Gaza made tonight is "the breakthrough the world has been waiting for and that so many have needed." She expressed hope that the agreement would "mark a turning point toward sustainable peace, a surge in aid, and a catalyst that changes despair to hope." Earlier today, Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdulrahman announced the conclusion of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza. (end) arn.ibi