Israel's president called the Gaza agreement the right and necessary step
The agreement on a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages is a "correct and necessary step". Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog said on January 15.
"I support the Prime Minister and the negotiating team that pushed for this agreement, and I call on the members of the government to accept and approve the agreement that will be presented to them to bring our sons and daughters home. As president of Israel, I say unequivocally: this is the right step, this is an important step, this is a necessary step," he said in a statement posted on his X (former Twitter) page.
According to Herzog, Israeli authorities will seek the return of all captives.
"The decision must be clear and unambiguous - rescue them, free them, bring them home. It's urgent. Every single one of them," the president emphasized.
In addition, in his speech he thanked the mediators at the talks, including the current US President Joe Biden and the US head of state-elect Donald Trump.
"Special thanks to US President Joe Biden and his administration and, of course, the future US President Donald Trump and his team. I know that the issue of hostages and the security of Israel and its citizens always occupies the thoughts of President Trump and his upcoming administration," Herzog explained.
The Gazaceasefire agreement between Palestinian Hamas and Israel became known on January 15. The first phase, which will last 42 days, will include the release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al-Thani said that Qatar and Egypt mediated the deal.
On the same day, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) press office said the Israeli army was preparing to receive the freed hostages.
UN Secretary General António Guterres, for his part, 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.
Furthermore, Trump linked the agreement reached to his election victory. The president-elect added that his national security team will continue to work with Israel and allies "to make sure that Gaza never again becomes a safe haven for terrorists."
The situation in the Middle East escalated on the morning of October 7, 2023, when the Palestinian radical movement Hamas launched a massive rocket attack from the Gaza Strip into Israel. On the same day, Israel began retaliatory strikes.
