From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The Federal Government has welcomed the agreement of a ceasefire in Gaza between the State of Israel and Hamas.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement issued by its Acting Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said the agreement offered the prospect of an end to the appalling loss of civilian lives and human tragedy witnessed across Gaza over the last 15 months, as well as relief to the families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza and some of the Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons.
Ebienfa further said Nigeria also welcomed the supply of much needed aid and relief materials that the peace deal facilitates.
“The ceasefire agreement presents the people of the region with an opportunity for hope and compassion. The Federal Government praises the Arabic Republic of Egypt, the State of Qatar and the United States of America for their painstaking work during the negotiations that delivered the ceasefire agreement, and for which they will now act as international guarantors,” Ebienfa said.
The government also urged all stakeholders to build on the new momentum and work towards the successful implementation of the second and third phases of the agreement, and re-affirmed support for a two-state solution as the blueprint for a just and lasting peace for Palestine, Israel and the entire region.