SA welcomes ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas
It has been 15 months since Hamas attacked Israel, killing over 1,200 people and taking 251 people hostage.
An emergency worker takes a photograph on an Israeli flag deployed on the wall of a damaged building in Kiryat Bialik in the Haifa district of Israel, following a reported strike by Lebanon's Hezbollah on 22 September 2024. Picture: AFP
JOHANNESBURG - The South African government has welcomed the ceasefire deal agreement between Israel and Hamas, saying it's a crucial first step in the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
It has been 15 months since Hamas attacked Israel, killing over 1,200 people and taking 251 people hostage.
The retaliatory attacks from Israel have killed over 46 thousand people.
On Wednesday, the two warring factions reached a ceasefire deal, which will be effected on Sunday.
The first phase of the ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel is expected to last six weeks and includes a hostage exchange between the two groups.
READ: Israel, Hamas agree deal for Gaza truce, hostage release: source briefed on talks
The second and third phases are still to be negotiated.
The SA government, which has taken Israel to the Hague for genocide against Palestinians, has called on the two parties to respect the ceasefire deal.
"Immediate and massive humanitarian aid is urgently needed to provide relief to civilians in Gaza, all obstacles to the delivery of humanitarian aid must be lifted immediately and unconditionally," said Department of International Relations and Cooperation spokesperson, Chrispin Phiri.
Part of the ceasefire, also includes Israel lifting the blockages to allow for aid to flow into Gaza.