Foreign Minister Winston Peters states that New Zealand welcomes the announcement of the initial phase of the US-led peace agreement between Israel and Hamas.
“Over the past two years, both Israelis and Palestinians have suffered immensely,” Peters said.
“Today is a positive first step in bringing that suffering to an end.”
“We commend the efforts of the parties involved in the negotiations, including the US, Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye.
“We said in New York two weeks ago that countries with leverage over the situation needed to step up and show leadership. We commend them for doing just that.”
US President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement on the first phase of a peace framework, which will enable the rapid release of all hostages.
According to an Israeli source, the hostages are anticipated to be freed on Saturday or Sunday.
“We have long called for the release of all the hostages and for a ceasefire so that the immense suffering can end. The parties must now deliver on their promises. Hamas needs to release all of the hostages, and Israel must withdraw their troops to the agreed-upon line,” Peters said.
Peters described the deal as “an essential first step towards achieving lasting peace” and is encouraging Israel and Hamas to continue working in the efforts to achieve a comprehensive resolution.
“There has been a lot of protest in New Zealand over the past two years relating to the situation in Gaza.”
“We look forward to all those protestors, and their political allies in parliament, joining the government today in applauding the deal that has been struck.”