Justin Bullock, FISM News
Yesterday, FISM News reported on a potential cease-fire agreement in the 11-day Israel-Hamas conflict. Thankfully, today the cease-fire has officially gone into effect. Leaders around the globe are expressing their gratitude for the end of the violence and urging for constructive peace negotiations between Israel, Hamas, and the Palestinian Authority.
President Joe Biden remarked,
We remain committed to work with the United Nations and other international stakeholders to provide rapid humanitarian assistance and to marshal international support for the people in Gaza and in the Gaza reconstruction efforts… I believe the Palestinians and Israelis equally deserve to live safely and securely and enjoy equal measures of freedom, prosperity and democracy… My administration will continue our quiet, relentless diplomacy toward that end. I believe we have a genuine opportunity to make progress and I am committed to working for it…
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres had this to say,
I stress that Israeli and Palestinian leaders have a responsibility beyond the restoration of calm to start a serious dialogue to address the root causes of the conflict… Gaza is an integral part of the future Palestinian state and no effort should be spared to bring about real national reconciliation that ends the division.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, who was instrumental and in communicating with Hamas, commented,
With utter happiness I have received a phone call from President Biden in which we have exchanged visions around reaching a formula that would calm the current conflict between Israel and Gaza, our vision was in tune about managing the conflict between all parties with diplomacy.
And lastly British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said,
Welcome news of a ceasefire in Israel and Gaza. All sides must work to make the ceasefire durable and end the unacceptable cycle of violence and loss of civilian life. UK continues to support efforts to bring about peace.
Now the challenge is to rebuild those areas and the civilian lives impacted by the conflict. International aid and crisis relief organizations are moving into the area to help efforts to this end. Organizations like the United Nations, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Red Cross are calling for support from countries across the globe in the effort, particularly emphasizing the need for medical supplies and personnel.
Early reports indicate that recovery from the 11 day conflict could take years. Red Cross regional director, Fabrizio Carboni, told the press, “It will take years to rebuild – and even more to rebuild the fractured lives.” But for now, everyone is thankful for peace.