The Turkish Foreign Ministry pointed to the need for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza
The ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip should become permanent. This statement was made by the Turkish Foreign Ministry on January 15.
"In the coming period, all stages of this agreement must be implemented and the ceasefire must become permanent. Humanitarian aid must be urgently delivered to Gaza. The international community must ensure that Israel fulfills its obligations in these areas," the ministry said in a statement on the social network X (former Twitter).
The Turkish ministry noted that stability in the Middle East can be achieved only by establishing peace in Palestine. Therefore, the ministry added, it is important "to start peace talks as soon as possible on the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital and geographical integrity within the 1967 borders."
The Gaza ceasefire agreement between Palestinian Hamas and Israel became known on January 15. In the first phase, which will last 42 days, 33 Israeli hostages will be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the release of hostages in the Gaza Strip under the agreement will take place for at least several weeks. On the same day, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) press office noted that the Israeli army is preparing to receive the freed hostages.
Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog, in turn, called the agreement "a correct and necessary step." According to him, the Israeli authorities will seek the return of all captives. UN Secretary-General António Guterres also supported the deal and expressed readiness to assist in its implementation. He also emphasized that the UN is "unwavering in its commitment" to peace and stability in the region, and will do everything it can to ensure that civilians are supported.
The situation in the Middle East escalated on the morning of October 7, 2023, when the Palestinian radical movement Hamas subjected Israeli territory to a massive rocket attack from the Gaza Strip. On the same day, Israel began retaliatory strikes.
