Quotes
I have set out my position very clearly in relation to the sale of capability to Israel to defend itself against attacks, such as those from Iran, and I am very clear that we will continue to do so.”
But challenged by SNP MP Brendan O’Hara on what he called the UK’s “morally repugnant” arms sales to Israel, Sir Keir said A huge international effort will be needed if this agreement is to endure. If it works, it could bring long awaited relief for many and potentially a pathway to sustainable peace…. The key to a sustainable end to the conflict in Gaza remains the release of the hostages. Hamas should release all remaining hostages immediately and unconditionally.”
We must seize this opportunity to build trust, de-escalate tensions and push for a wider ceasefire.”
We strongly urge all parties to use this agreement to open a pathway to a lasting peace.” ... We must seize this moment. It must be a turning point that builds momentum towards a lasting peace across the Middle East. In Gaza, we need an immediate ceasefire, the release of all the hostages and an end to Israeli restrictions on aid. The intolerable suffering must end.”
Peace is not the silence of cemeteries / Peace is not the silent result of violent repression”
As Óscar Romero, the martyred Salvadoran bishop, once wrote To get around the issue, media reports had suggested that the US would issue a letter supporting Israel's right to act,
Even its imperfect implementation in 2006 brought over 16 years of relative peace and stability. Both sides are ready for that."
Resolution 1701 was often criticized, Abercrombie-Winstanley pointed out We support all efforts conducive to easing tensions and achieving peace and welcome the agreement reached by relevant parties on a ceasefire,
foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said We hope that this step will contribute to stopping the violence and instability that the region is suffering from,
the Palestinian presidency said in a statement, highlighting the need to enforce a UN resolution for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip The State of Qatar welcomes the ceasefire agreement in the Lebanese Republic and expresses its hope that it will lead to a similar agreement to halt the ongoing war on the Gaza Strip and the Israeli assaults on the occupied West Bank,
Qatar's Foreign Ministry said in a statement Welcoming the news" of the end of Israel's "aggression against Lebanon,
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said, stressing Iran's "firm support for the Lebanese government, nation and resistance." If Hezbollah violates the agreement and tries to arm itself, we will attack.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the ceasefire but vowed to act against any perceived threats, stating It reminds us that peace is possible."
US President Joe Biden praised the decision by Lebanon and Israel's leaders to end the violence, stating A significant concern is the continued shipment of arms from Iran to Hezbollah in Lebanon. Reports suggest that under an understanding between Israel and the United States, Israel will work to intercept these shipments, particularly those crossing from Syria into Lebanon before they reach Syria,
Over the next 60 days, Israel will gradually withdraw its remaining forces and civilians on both sides will soon be able to safely return to their communities and begin to rebuild their homes,
the outgoing US president added I have some good news to report from the Middle East,
U.S. President Joe Biden said, announcing the deal in a speech in the Rose Garden of the White House Focusing on the Iranian threat, fully restoring Israel’s military strength and isolating Hamas by separating the various conflict arenas.”
Ahead of Israel's approval of the deal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cited three key reasons for supporting the ceasefire at this time We hope that all parties will respect and comply with the terms of the agreement,
said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement Singapore reiterates its call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, as well as for the immediate, safe, and unconditional release of all remaining hostages,
But there is a lot to do in these 60 days,
Hochstein said in the interview
