Indonesia welcomes ceasefire ending Israeli aggression on Gaza

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia expressed its approval of the ceasefire agreement reached between the Palestinian resistance group, Hamas, and Israel on Wednesday (Jan 15), Doha time, Qatar.

According to the statement of the Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministry on Thursday, the ceasefire provides momentum to restore the lives of the people in Gaza after enduring significant hardships due to the Israeli attacks since October 7, 2023.

"The implementation of the agreement must be carried out immediately and comprehensively to halt the loss of lives in Gaza," the ministry emphasized.

To facilitate recovery in Gaza, Indonesia emphasized the importance of ensuring full access to humanitarian aid distribution for the people of Gaza and ensuring the reconstruction of Gaza's infrastructure damaged by Israeli aggression.

Furthermore, the ministry said the United Nations Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) must be allowed to continue to fulfill its mandate to assist Palestinians and refugees across all locations.

Indonesia also emphasized that lasting peace in Palestine is unattainable without ending Israeli occupation, ensuring the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state in line with a two-state solution based on international agreements.

The ceasefire announcement to stop Israeli aggression in the Gaza Strip was made by Prime Minister of Qatar Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani in Doha on Wednesday (Jan 15).

He stated that the ceasefire agreement, which is expected to end Israeli aggression and genocide that has devastated Gaza, consists of three stages that will come into effect on Sunday (Jan 19).

The ceasefire agreement reportedly encompasses provisions for the release of hostages and the exchange of prisoners, a cessation of fighting, security guarantees for Israel, and substantial humanitarian aid entering Gaza.

The ceasefire agreement, which was negotiated through the mediation of Qatar, Egypt, and the US, is also said to include a plan for dialogue regarding the future government of the Gaza Strip and the reconstruction of the Palestinian territory.