[PIO] Announcement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the hostage release agreement and humanitarian pause in Gaza

The Foreign Office welcomes the agreement to release 50 hostages - women and children - held hostage in Gaza since 7 October and a humanitarian ceasefire. We express our appreciation to Qatar, Egypt and the United States of America for their efforts and crucial mediation role in reaching this agreement.

Full implementation of the agreement is essential. The immediate and unconditional release of all hostages by Hamas is imperative. A humanitarian freeze will provide an opportunity for unimpeded humanitarian assistance to the civilian population in Gaza.

In this context, we reiterate the readiness of the Republic of Cyprus to contribute to the provision of humanitarian assistance through our proposal to establish a maritime corridor through Cyprus for the transfer of humanitarian aid to Gaza. This is a unique effort, on which we are in technical consultations, with a view to its implementation for the benefit of the civilian population as soon as possible.

(NZ/MS)
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