RIYADH, Jan 15 (KUNA) -- Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Al-Budaiwi has welcomed Gaza ceasefire and prisoner swap agreement between Hamas and the Israeli occupation.
In a press statement on Wednesday, Al-Budaiwi commended the great efforts by the State of Qatar, Egypt and the United States, and their tireless work with all concerned parties to reach the deal.
He voiced hopes the deal would contribute to restoring security and peace in the Gaza Strip, providing humanitarian aid to its residents, and returning the displaced to their homes after the 15 month-long Israeli occupation war that killed tens of thousands of civilians and devastated infrastructure, creating a deteriorating humanitarian situation.
He reiterated the GCC's unequivocal support to the Palestinian cause and the Palestinian people's national rights including the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, and ensuring the rights of refugees.
Earlier, Qatar, Egypt, and the United States announced that the two parties to the conflict in Gaza have reached an agreement for ceasefire and prisoner swap. They noted that agreement will come into effect on 19 January 2025. (end) kns.ibi