Hamas: Ceasefire Agreement a Result of Palestinian Resilience (video)

Hamas has asserted that the recently announced ceasefire agreement in Gaza is a reflection of the "tenacity" of the Palestinian people and the "valiant resistance" of the movement. In an official statement, Hamas emphasized that this agreement is the outcome of the legendary perseverance demonstrated by Palestinians during more than 15 months of conflict, claiming it paves the way for realizing their aspirations for liberation.

UN Secretary-General Commends Ceasefire

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised the announcement of the ceasefire as a "crucial first step" that must facilitate humanitarian aid delivery in the Palestinian territory. He highlighted the necessity for this ceasefire to eliminate significant security and political barriers to enable a major increase in emergency humanitarian assistance, aiming to alleviate the immense suffering caused by the ongoing conflict.

Guterres pointed out that while this ceasefire represents a significant development, it is essential to mobilize broader efforts to achieve larger goals, including maintaining the unity and integrity of the occupied Palestinian territory. He called for a political process aimed at ending the occupation and achieving a negotiated two-state solution where Israel and Palestine can coexist peacefully.

Advocacy for Press Freedom

In addition to these developments, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has called for "opening borders" and imposing sanctions for crimes committed by the Israeli army following the ceasefire announcement. RSF condemned the killing of over 150 Palestinian journalists during the conflict, with at least 41 killed while performing their duties. They stressed that this ceasefire should allow journalists access to report on conditions in Gaza, which has become one of the most dangerous places for journalists worldwide.

RSF also urged Israeli authorities to urgently permit medical evacuation for Al Jazeera journalist Fadi al-Wahidi, who was severely injured while covering events in Jabalia camp but has been denied transfer to a hospital abroad. The organization reiterated its commitment to pursuing accountability for international crimes against journalists in Gaza.

Conclusion

The ceasefire agreement signifies a pivotal moment amid ongoing conflict, with hopes that it will lead to improved humanitarian conditions and pave the way for future negotiations toward peace. The focus now shifts to ensuring compliance with the terms of this agreement and addressing broader issues affecting both Palestinians and Israelis.