Outgoing United States President Joe Biden announced on Wednesday that after many months of intensive diplomacy by his country, along with Egypt and Qatar, Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire and hostage deal.
“My diplomacy never ceased in their efforts to get this
done – 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 in a statement.
It followed the October 7 attacks by Hamas on Israel. The
ceasefire will come into effect on Sunday.
Meanwhile, South Africa has welcomed the ceasefire
agreement reached between Israel and Hamas to bring an end to the 15-month long
war.
The South African Government is calling for a just and
lasting peace that protects the human rights of both Palestinians and Israelis,
noting that the ceasefire is a crucial first step toward addressing the severe
humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Last year, the International Court of Justice (ICJ)
described Israel’s action in Gaza as plausibly genocidal.
“The ceasefire must lay the basis for a just peace which
should include the establishment of a contiguous, independent, and viable
Palestinian state. Palestinian sovereignty and territorial integrity must be
upheld,” the statement read.
“It is imperative that no land is annexed in either Gaza or
the West Bank following the ceasefire, and that illegal settlement expansion is
halted,” says Chrispin Phiri, International Relations and Co-operation spokesperson.
South Africa has further emphasized the urgent need for
humanitarian aid and a lasting solution.
“Immediate and massive humanitarian aid is urgently needed
to provide relief to civilians in Gaza. All obstacles to the delivery of
humanitarian aid must be lifted immediately and unconditionally, allowing
civilians unrestricted access to essential food, water, shelter, and
healthcare,” added Phiri.
Done by: Sihle Jezile
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