WASHINGTON, USA – President Joe Biden, on Wednesday, announced that after many months of intensive diplomacy by the United States, along with Egypt and Qatar, Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire and hostage deal.
“This deal will halt the fighting in Gaza, surge much needed humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians, and reunite the hostages with their families after more than 15 months in captivity,” president Biden added.
“I laid out the precise contours of this plan on May 31, 2024, after which it was endorsed unanimously by the UN Security Council. It is the result not only of the extreme pressure that Hamas has been under and the changed regional equation after a ceasefire in Lebanon and weakening of Iran — but also of dogged and painstaking American diplomacy. My diplomacy never ceased in their efforts to get this done.”
Even as we welcome this news, we remember all the families whose loved ones were killed in Hamas’s October 7 attack, and the many innocent people killed in the war that followed, the president noted.
“It is long past time for the fighting to end and the work of building peace and security to begin. I am also thinking of the American families, three of whom have living hostages in Gaza and four awaiting return of remains after what has been the most horrible ordeal imaginable. Under this deal, we are determined to bring all of them home. I will speak more about this soon. For now, I am thrilled that those who have been held hostage are being reunited with their families,” president Biden said.
UK reaction
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, said: “After months of devastating bloodshed and countless lives lost, this is the long-overdue news that the Israeli and Palestinian people have desperately been waiting for. They have borne the brunt of this conflict – triggered by the brutal terrorists of Hamas, who committed the deadliest massacre of Jewish people since the Holocaust on October 7, 2023.
“The hostages, who were brutally ripped from their homes on that day and held captive in unimaginable conditions ever since, can now finally return to their families. But we should also use this moment to pay tribute to those who won’t make it home – including the British people who were murdered by Hamas. We will continue to mourn and remember them.
“For the innocent Palestinians whose homes turned into a warzone overnight and the many who have lost their lives, this ceasefire must allow for a huge surge in humanitarian aid, which is so desperately needed to end the suffering in Gaza. And then our attention must turn to how we secure a permanently better future for the Israeli and Palestinian people – grounded in a two-state solution that will guarantee security and stability for Israel, alongside a sovereign and viable Palestine state. The UK and its allies will continue to be at the forefront of these crucial efforts to break the cycle of violence and secure long-term peace in the Middle East.”
US House Foreign Affairs Committee
Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, welcomed Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal.
“I enthusiastically welcome the Gaza ceasefire and hostage agreement announced today. The agreement is long overdue, both for the families of the hostages and the innocent Palestinian civilians who have suffered during these past 15 months.
“This is a multi-phase deal, and difficult work lies ahead to make certain that the remaining hostages come home and, as part of the final phase, that we see a permanent ceasefire, the beginning of Gaza’s reconstruction, and the release of the deceased hostages’ bodies.
“At the end of this process, Gaza must transition to a Palestinian-led territory free from the rule of Hamas. The devastation in Gaza is extensive, and it will take many years, significant funding, and serious diplomacy to make Gaza’s future successful. We must keep our focus on creating space to facilitate a permanent two-state solution, which will be necessary to ensure regional support for Gaza’s future and ensure that Israel can remain a strong, Jewish, democracy long into the future.
“I thank the Biden administration, as well our regional partners, for their tireless diplomacy to reach today’s agreement. I encourage the incoming Trump administration to aggressively advance this deal and do everything in its power to bring peace and justice to both Israelis and Palestinians.”
Canada expresses thanks to Egypt, Qatar, and the United States
Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, said: “Canada welcomes the ceasefire and hostage deal reached by Israel and Hamas. For Israelis, Palestinians, and all those across the region, this deal is a critical step toward lasting peace and a two-state solution. We thank Egypt, Qatar, and the United States for their considerable efforts in helping to achieve this agreement.
“On October 7, 2023, the world saw images of unspeakable cruelty. The massacre of 1,200 innocent people and abduction of over 200 others – the deadliest attack carried out on Jewish people since the Holocaust. We unequivocally condemn Hamas for the terror they wrought, and we await the release of all hostages and the return of remains.
“The scale of civilian casualties since October 7 is heartbreaking. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic. Tens of thousands of civilians have been killed, millions have been displaced, and humanitarian workers have been put at risk.
“We mourn all the Canadians we’ve lost, and we think of those affected, especially their friends and family. I know, for Canadians, especially those with ties to the region, today will be difficult. Many will pray with relief and for light and peace in the weeks and months ahead. May this be a moment for us all to come together and stand together.
“While today’s news of the ceasefire gives us hope for the path ahead, there is more work to be done – to release all remaining hostages; to increase the safe, rapid, and unimpeded passage of humanitarian assistance to civilians; to support reconstruction efforts; and to ensure that Hamas has no role in the future of Gaza.
“Canada remains committed to working toward achieving a two-state solution, where Israelis and Palestinians can live securely within internationally recognized borders, and with peace, dignity, and security.”
Meanwhile, prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with US president-elect Donald Trump and thanked him for his assistance in advancing the release of the hostages and for helping Israel bring an end to the suffering of dozens of hostages and their families.
According to the prime minister of Israel Facebook post:
“The prime minister made it clear that he is committed to returning all of the hostages however he can, and commended the US president-elect for his remarks that the US would work with Israel to ensure that Gaza will never be a haven for terrorism.
“The two decided to meet in Washington soon in order to discuss this and other important issues.
“Prime minister Netanyahu then spoke with US president Biden and thanked him as well for his assistance in advancing the hostages deal.”
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