The Egyptian and Qatari diplomatic efforts successfully brokered a temporary ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
In a significant development, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian leadership welcomed the humanitarian ceasefire agreement on Wednesday, renewing their call for a comprehensive cessation of Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people.
Hussein Al-Sheikh, Secretary of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization, conveyed the President's appreciation for the humanitarian ceasefire agreement. He praised the joint Qatari-Egyptian efforts, stating, "President Mahmoud Abbas and the leadership welcome the humanitarian ceasefire agreement, appreciating the Qatari and Egyptian endeavors.
We reiterate the call for a comprehensive halt to Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people, the delivery of humanitarian aid, and the implementation of a political solution based on international legitimacy, leading to the end of occupation and the attainment of freedom, independence, and sovereignty for the Palestinian people."
The Egyptian and Qatari diplomatic efforts successfully brokered a temporary ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, along with the announcement of a four-day humanitarian truce extendable upon agreement. This breakthrough followed intensive contacts and movements in recent weeks aimed at de-escalating tensions and facilitating the entry of urgent humanitarian, food, and medical aid into Gaza.
The achieved agreement marks a genuine start in the steps and efforts to de-escalate tensions between the Israeli and Palestinian sides. It may pave the way for additional humanitarian truces and further deals for the exchange of prisoners and detainees.
Over the course of more than two weeks, American, Egyptian, and Qatari efforts tirelessly worked to reach this agreement and exchange deal. Rounds of talks and meetings took place in Cairo with both Israeli officials and Hamas leadership, all in full coordination with the U.S. side to overcome obstacles and finalize the ceasefire agreement and the prisoner exchange deal.
