Agency Report –
The German government has called on Israel and the Islamist group Hamas to respect a ceasefire agreement to end fighting in the Gaza Strip.
“We call on all parties … to take all steps to ensure that this agreement can now be implemented,” said a spokeswoman for the Foreign Office on Friday.
“It is important that the first steps are taken successfully and that all those who bear responsibility then remain on this path,” she added.
After months of indirect negotiations, an agreement was reached on Wednesday to halt fighting in Gaza and release Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
The ceasefire is to come into force on Sunday. However, the Israeli government and the country’s security Cabinet still have to give their formal approval.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock had hailed the multi-stage deal as a “major breakthrough” on Thursday but warned that further challenges lie ahead.
