International reactions to Gaza truce agreement express hope

The announcement of the humanitarian truce agreement between Israel and the armed group in Gaza generated a variety of international reactions, reflecting the complexity and different perspectives on the conflict. Leaders from around the world shared their views on the ceasefire, highlighting hopes for peace, concerns about the future and the need for humanitarian aid.

International reactions illustrate the complexity and different perspectives on the conflict, highlighting the need for continued efforts to promote peace and alleviate the suffering of those affected in the region.

Do Brazil, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva welcomed the agreement during the G20 Virtual Summit. Expressing hope that the pact “pave the way for a political and lasting solution to this conflict”, Lula highlighted the importance of resuming the peace process between Israel and Palestine.

He spoke during the G20 Virtual Summit, which marked the end of India’s presidency of the bloc and Brazil’s inauguration into the group that brings together 19 of the world’s largest economies and the European Union. The African Union also became a permanent member in August in India. “Geopolitical rivalries persist, the global economy slows and the consequences of climate change continue. The resurgence of the conflict in the Middle East adds to the multiple crises we were already facing,” said Lula at today’s summit.

The Brazilian government also counts on facilitating, during the truce, the rescue of 86 people, including Brazilians and relatives of Brazilians, who are in the Gaza Strip and who wish to leave the conflict zone in the Middle East to head to Brazil. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the list has already been sent to Egypt and Israel to authorize the departure of these people from the Palestinian enclave. The departure of foreigners has been done gradually, with around 600 authorizations per day. This is when there are no interruptions at the Rafah border, which connects Gaza to Egypt.

The federal government’s Operation Returning in Peace organized ten flights from the conflict region to repatriate Brazilians and their families. The majority left Tel-Aviv, in Israel, a group left Amman, Jordan, being repatriated from the Palestinian territory of the occupied West Bank. The last group, with 32 people, left the Gaza Strip after more than a month of tension and anguish. In total, the operation transported 1,477 people and 53 domestic animals. Of the total, there were 1,462 Brazilians, 11 Palestinians, three Bolivian women and one Jordanian woman.

China Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning expressed hope that the agreement will contribute to alleviating the humanitarian crisis, promoting a reduction in conflicts and easing tensions in the region.

European Union, President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the Commission would do everything in its power to take advantage of the break provided by the agreement to increase humanitarian assistance in Gaza.

Egypt, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi welcomed the success of the mediation carried out with Qatar and the United States, highlighting the importance of the “exchange of hostages for prisoners” as part of the agreement.

France, Catherine Colonna, Minister of Foreign Affairs: French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna expressed hope that French citizens would be among the first hostages to be released.

Human Rights Watch, Omar Shakir, Israel and Palestine director: Human Rights Watch’s Israel and Palestine director, Omar Shakir, hailed the agreement as a welcome step after the “mass atrocities” of recent weeks. He reiterated his condemnation of war crimes, highlighting that “human beings are not bargaining chips.”

Iran Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian: Iran announced that Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian will begin a regional trip, starting with Lebanon, as part of diplomatic efforts to deal with the situation in Gaza.

Israel, Israeli government and Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir: The Israeli government affirmed its obligation to return all hostages, while National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir criticized the agreement, considering it a “dangerous precedent” and warning of its possible consequences.

Jordan Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi: Jordan’s foreign minister expressed dismay at the ceasefire, emphasizing the need for a “broader plan for Gaza” and warning against the risk of ethnic cleansing.

Palestine, PLO Executive Committee Secretary Hussein al-Sheikh: The PLO secretary expressed support for the humanitarian truce agreement, calling for a comprehensive cessation of Israeli aggression and emphasizing the need for humanitarian aid and a political solution.

Qatar Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani: Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani expressed hope that the agreement will lay the foundation for a lasting solution, ending the war and initiating talks for a comprehensive and fair peace process.

Russia, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov: Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov hailed the agreement as the “first good news in a long time” and highlighted the importance of humanitarian pauses to build future attempts at a sustainable agreement.

Saudi Arabia Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud: The Saudi Foreign Minister emphasized the need to sustain and expand humanitarian aid, condemning any punishment for the civilian population of Gaza.

Turkey, President Tayyip Erdogan: Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan considered the possibility of visiting Egypt to collaborate in obtaining more aid for those injured in Gaza, urging the Islamic world to act in unity and solidarity.

UK Foreign Minister David Cameron: British Foreign Secretary David Cameron called the agreement a “crucial step” in providing aid to the hostages’ families and resolving the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

United States, President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken: US President Joe Biden welcomed the agreement, thanking Qatar and Egypt for their efforts. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken applauded the US role in the agreement, emphasizing the need for full implementation.

Vatican, Pope Francisco: Pope Francis, after separate meetings with families of Israeli and Palestinian hostages, denounced the conflict as “terrorism”. He called for prayers for peace and expressed his hope that the agreement would pave the way for a lasting solution.