Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas have agreed to a four-day humanitarian pause that would see Hamas release dozens of hostages taken by the group on October 7. The truce has been welcomed regionally and internationally, with countries expressing hope that the move will be a breakthrough in the ongoing crisis.
The four-day truce has been welcomed by Jordan, which hopes it will be a step towards ending the war in Gaza and preventing the targeting and displacement of Palestinians. In a statement carried by state media, the foreign ministry said it hoped the pause in fighting would allow much-needed humanitarian aid into the besieged enclave.
British Foreign Minister David Cameron welcomed the agreement, calling it a “crucial step towards providing relief to the families of the hostages and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.” He urged all parties to ensure the agreement is delivered in full.
Germany’s foreign minister described the deal as a “breakthrough.” Annalena Baerbock on social media platform X said, “The announced release of the first major group of hostages is a breakthrough -- even if nothing in the world can undo their suffering. The humanitarian pause must be used to bring vital aid to people in Gaza.”
China also welcomed the deal, hoping it would help de-escalate the tensions that broke out after Hamas gunmen stormed across Israel’s border on October 7 and staged the deadliest attack in the country’s history. “We welcome the temporary ceasefire agreement reached by relevant parties,” foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a regular briefing.
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