S'pore welcomes deal, will work with partners to step up aid delivery

The agreement for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages sets the stage for a cessation of hostilities and a surge in the delivery of humanitarian aid, said Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan.

- Lok Jian Wen

In remarks made on Jan 16, Dr Balakrishnan said Singapore welcomes the multi-phase agreement and will work with partners in the Middle East to step up the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

Palestinian militant group Hamas and Israel agreed on a ceasefire that will pause the war in Gaza and broker an end to the brutal 15-month conflict, said Qatar's Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, on Jan 15.

The agreement is set to be officially accepted by Israel after a Cabinet meeting on Jan 16, following months of mediation by Qatar, Egypt and the US.

The complex deal, set to take effect on Jan 19, outlines a six-week initial ceasefire with the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip. The release of Hamas-held hostages in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners in Israel will take place within the first week.