Gaza ceasefire ‘paves way for broader peace processes’, Letymbiotis says
Source: Cyprus Mail
The ceasefire agreement struck between the State of Israel and insurgent group Hamas in Gaza “paves the way for broader peace processes”, Cypriot government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said on Thursday.
He added that the ceasefire deal will “enhance the prospects for de-escalation”, and that broader peace processes will “contribute to stability and security in the region”.
“We welcome the efforts of the United States, Egypt and Qatar, which have substantially contributed to the achievement of this agreement, and we emphasise that the full implementation of this agreement is vital to maintaining and restoring security,” he said.
He also said Cyprus is “committed to all efforts which will create a political horizon which will allow for talks towards a solution in accordance with the United Nations Security Council’s resolutions, where Israelis and Palestinians will live in peace and security”.
“The Republic of Cyprus is at the crossroads of countries and civilisations in the eastern Mediterranean. Our role can and must be catalytic as a bridge of communication between the parties involved and the international community, leveraging our historical relations and our stable framework within the European Union,” he said.
He added that Cyprus is a “factor of peace, security, and cooperation”, and that the government will “support initiatives which will contribute to the search for sustainable solutions and respect for international law”.
“Maintaining the ceasefire agreement must become a shared commitment for all parties involved, to be able to lay the foundations for a permanent end to the violence and the implementation of coordinated confidence-building measures,” he said.
To this end, he said Cyprus’ government is “actively contributing to a more secure and powerful eastern Mediterranean”.
Letymbiotis’ comments came as the Israeli government delayed a cabinet vote on whether it would accept the ceasefire deal, alleging that Hamas had reneged on parts of the agreement reached. Hamas denied this, saying they are “committed” to the agreement.
Overnight, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 70 Palestinians.
The agreement had been reached on Wednesday night, with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides describing it as a “particularly important moment”.
Meanwhile, European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Suica also said she welcomed the agreement, saying it will bring “much-needed relief to those affected by this devastating conflict”.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also welcomed the ceasefire, adding, “we hope the agreement will be beneficial for our region and all of humanity, especially our Palestinian brothers and that it will open the door to lasting peace and stability”.
Greece’s foreign ministry said it welcomed the “long-awaited” ceasefire, and said the deal “can be a turning point for establishing enduring stability in the region”.
“It is now time to deliver on this agreement and allow the hostages to return home safely, alleviate the suffering of the civilians, and increase the delivery of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza,” it added.
The original article: belongs to Cyprus Mail .
