Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire agreement to end the 15-month Gaza war, according to reports earlier this week, signalling a step toward stability in the Middle East.
The Polish foreign ministry said on Friday: "Poland welcomes the ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza. This is a vital step toward peace, reuniting hostages with loved ones, and enabling much-needed humanitarian aid to reach Gaza's civilians."
The agreement includes a six-week initial ceasefire period, the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the exchange of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian detainees in Israeli custody, according to a report by the Reuters news agency.
The war between Israel and Hamas began on October 7, 2023, when the Palestinian militant group launched a large-scale attack from the Gaza Strip, killing around 1,400 people and kidnapping over 200 as hostages, according to the Israeli government.
Israel responded with extensive airstrikes and ground operations in Gaza, leading to tens of thousands of deaths and a massive humanitarian crisis, according to Palestinian health officials.
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Source: Reuters, IAR, PAP