The ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip came into effect yesterday morning, bringing an end to the bloody war waged by the Israel since October 7, 2023, which claimed the lives of tens of thousands of Palestinians, and caused widespread destruction throughout the coastal enclave.
As the ceasefire took effect, people of Gaza took to the streets to celebrate the end of the war. Many families began to return to their neighbourhoods and homes in the southern and central areas of Gaza after being forcibly displaced.
The displaced people from the northern Gaza Strip are waiting to return to their homes on the seventh day of the ceasefire agreement in accordance with the mechanisms outlined in the deal.
The ceasefire deal stipulates the exchange of prisoners and hostages and the restoration of sustainable calm, ultimately achieving a permanent ceasefire between the two parties. The deal also includes intensifying the safe and effective entry and distribution of humanitarian aid on a large scale throughout the Gaza Strip, the rehabilitation of hospitals, health centres, and bakeries, as well as the entry of civil defence supplies and fuel, and bringing in shelter supplies for displaced persons who lost their homes due to the war.
Qatar, Egypt and the United States brokered the ceasefire agreement. The mediation undertaken by Qatar to secure the ceasefire proves once again the country’s status as a reliable partner among the international community, and highlights its influential role in fostering dialogue and contributing to peace in the region and beyond.
Experts and analysts are of the view that Qatar through its mediation efforts over the past 15 months demonstrated its ability to influence and manage negotiations with high professionalism, neutrality, integrity and reliability, reflecting its extensive experience.
The Gaza ceasefire would pave the way for resolving other issues and crises in the Middle East.
Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani on Friday in an interview with Al Jazeera said that a humanitarian protocol has been reached between Qatar, Egypt, the United States and Israel regarding the mechanism for delivering aid.
H E the Prime Minister met a delegation from the Palestinian factions yesterday. The two sides discussed the implementation of ceasefire, especially those related to the exchange of prisoners and detainees, the entry of aid into the Strip, and the return of the displaced to their areas.
He stressed the need to ensure a full and continued implementation of the agreement in order to achieve sustainable peace and stability in the region.
