KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 16 (Bernama) -- The announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has sparked cautious optimism and a glimmer of hope, as world leaders and public figures recognise its significance while urging vigilance and continued efforts for lasting peace.
The truce, set to begin on Sunday, was announced on Wednesday evening by Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman. It aims to halt a 15-month conflict and was facilitated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States (US), with an initial duration of 42 days.
The Times, a British daily, reported that global leaders have expressed hope that the truce will lead to lasting peace, with many urging the provision of humanitarian aid and a focus on a two-state solution.
US President Joe Biden welcomed the ceasefire, describing the negotiations as among the most challenging he has experienced, according to Reuters.
In a statement at the White House, Biden also emphasised the broader implications of the agreement, saying: "For the Palestinian people, a credible, credible pathway to a state of their own. And for the region, a future of normalisation, integration of Israel and all its Arab neighbours, including Saudi Arabia."
Meanwhile, US President-elect Donald Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform, said: "We have a deal for the hostages in the Middle East. They will be released shortly. Thank you!".
United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also welcomed the deal.
"The UN stands ready to support the implementation of this deal and scale up the delivery of sustained humanitarian relief to the countless Palestinians who continue to suffer.
"This ceasefire must remove the significant security and political obstacles to delivering aid across Gaza so that we can support a major increase in urgent lifesaving humanitarian support," Reuters quoted Guterres as saying.
The Ankara-based Anadolu Agency (AA) reported that former German international footballer Mesut Ozil described the ceasefire agreement as “a ray of hope for the region.”
In a post on his X account, Ozil expressed hope that the deal would benefit Palestinians and pave the way for lasting peace, while remembering the innocent lives lost and praying for the recovery of the wounded.
Al Arabiya English reported that various world leaders reacted to the ceasefire and hostage deal, expressing hope for a lasting resolution to the conflict.
Al Jazeera noted that the agreement includes urgently needed humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza following weeks of relentless Israeli attacks.
While the international community views this development as a positive step towards peace, the situation remains delicate, with the successful implementation of the agreement being crucial for lasting stability in the region.
-- BERNAMA
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