MANILA – The Philippine government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), welcomed the Israel-Hamas agreement that will soon see the release of hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza after more than a year of war.
The Israeli government on Friday confirmed that a deal to release the hostages has been finally reached, a day after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said earlier talks were hit by last-minute snags.
“The Philippines welcomes the announcement of the long-awaited ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas and the release of hostages in Gaza,” DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said Friday afternoon.
“The Philippines reaffirms its steadfast commitment to a two-state solution that addresses the rights and needs of both Palestinian and Israeli civilians, with the aim of achieving a just, lasting peace and security in the region,” she added.
The DFA called on all parties to adhere to their obligations under international law, with particular emphasis on the protection of civilians, especially women and children, and the facilitation of humanitarian assistance to all those in need.
Israeli news agency Tazpit Press Service said the Israeli Security Cabinet is expected to meet on Friday and the full Cabinet will be convened on Saturday night to ratify the deal.
Of the 98 hostages, at least 33 are due to be freed in the first stage of ceasefire in exchange for 110 Palestinians serving life sentences in Israeli prisons.
The fate of the remaining hostages totaling 65 will be determined after another series of negotiation for the truce, which is slated to begin on the 16th day of the ceasefire. (PNA)