By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which follows 15 months of Israel’s extensive assault on Gaza.
The agreement, expected go into effect Sunday, would deliver the first reprieve from war for the people of Gaza in more than a year, and only the second since the Israeli bombardment began in October 7.
Families of hostages expressed joy and relief following the announcement of the deal, which would initially see 33 hostages held in Gaza released in exchange for hundreds of prisoners held by Israel.
South Africa “welcomes the ceasefire” and “calls for the implementation of a just and lasting peace that ensures the human rights of both Palestinians and Israelis are protected and promoted,” Lamola said in a statement.
The ceasefire “must lay the basis for a just peace which should include the establishment of a contiguous, independent, and viable Palestinian state,” the minister said.
Referring to ICJ rulings, Lamola reiterated that the occupying power must comply with the provisional measures prescribed by the court.
“Immediate and massive humanitarian aid is urgently needed to provide relief to civilians in Gaza. All obstacles to delivering humanitarian assistance must be lifted immediately and unconditionally, allowing civilians unrestricted access to essential food, water, shelter, and healthcare, “he added.
Lamola also stressed that international and humanitarian laws must be respected and upheld.
World leaders backed the ceasefire and hostage deal agreed by Israel and Hamas as people celebrated in cities around the world, including Berlin, Tunis, Tunisia and Jordan’s capital Amman.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the agreement was “a critical first step” and called on all parties to uphold commitments and fully enforce the deal, adding that the UN was ready to support its implementation.
European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen said she “warmly welcomed” the agreement, while the EU high representative for foreign affairs Kaja Kallas, said, “this is a major, positive breakthrough toward ending the violence.”
Here’s a roundup of some of the international reaction:
- Turkey: The Foreign Ministry said Turkey “will continue to support the Palestinian people in the period ahead,” and “peace negotiations must commence immediately to establish an independent, sovereign, and contiguous State of Palestine.”
- Lebanon: Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati said on X that the deal “ends a bloody chapter in the history of the Palestinian people, who have endured immense suffering due to Israeli aggression.” He also expressed hope for a sustainable ceasefire, “paving the way for a final resolution to the Palestinian issue and granting the Palestinian people their legitimate rights.”
- Australia: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the deal “is a constructive step towards peace and stability in the region.” His statement added that “our thoughts are with all the civilians killed, displaced and taken hostage in this conflict, and the many humanitarian workers who lost their lives in the service of others.”
- Japan: Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said the deal “marks a significant step toward alleviating the humanitarian crisis and stabilizing the situation —objectives Japan has consistently supported.” Japan will “actively contribute to international efforts aimed at improving the humanitarian situation, fostering reconstruction, and supporting governance in Gaza.”
The Israeli cabinet is expected to vote Thursday on whether to ratify a highly anticipated ceasefire and hostage release deal agreed between Hamas and Israel.