Amman: Arab and international reactions poured in welcoming the entry into force of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement at noon on Friday. In the United Arab Emirates, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed hope that the agreement would serve as a positive step toward ending the suffering of Palestinians, restoring security and stability in the region, and allowing humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.
According to Jordan News Agency, the ministry stated that the agreement "represents an important and positive step toward ending the humanitarian suffering in Gaza and paves the way for a just and lasting settlement that guarantees the rights of the Palestinian people and restores security and stability to the region," urging all parties to adhere to its provisions and exercise restraint.
Bahrain's Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, proclaimed that the Sharm El-Sheikh Agreement marked a day of peace for the Middle East and the world. He highlighted Bahrain's support for the accord, emphasizing the importance of all parties involved in the conflict to take responsibility for its execution, and praised the mediators who facilitated the agreement.
The Somali government also conveyed appreciation for regional and international efforts that resulted in the latest agreement to cease Israel's military actions in Gaza. They emphasized that this represents a constructive step towards achieving a just and comprehensive peace that alleviates the suffering of the Palestinian people and strengthens security and stability in the region.
Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin expressed "general relief" following the ceasefire agreement in Gaza. Quoted by Italy's AKI news agency, Parolin stated, "It is a step forward in resolving the conflict," expressing hope that this agreement marks the beginning of a path toward lasting peace.
World Food Programme (WFP) spokesperson Abeer Etefa welcomed the ceasefire agreement reached in Sharm El-Sheikh, affirming the organization's readiness to implement a comprehensive plan to deliver food assistance to Gaza once the crossings are reopened. She emphasized the priority of delivering nutritional supplements to areas experiencing severe malnutrition, collaborating with humanitarian partners, especially the Red Crescent, responsible for the entry of food supplies into the enclave.
The European Union also endorsed the agreement on the first phase of the comprehensive plan to resolve the conflict in Gaza, urging all parties to fully implement the deal without delay to pave the way for a permanent ceasefire, the release of hostages, and unhindered humanitarian access and distribution across the Strip.
Amnesty International Secretary-General Agn¨s Callamard stated that the Gaza ceasefire agreement should lead to ending Israel's apartheid system and the genocide in Gaza. Callamard insisted that the deal "must not be limited to a temporary halt in attacks or a mere reduction in their pace, nor should it allow only minimal humanitarian aid into Gaza. It should bring about a complete end to all hostilities and a total lifting of the blockade." She also called for allowing all internally displaced Palestinians to return to their homes "without Israel imposing conditions on who is allowed to return and who is denied."