BICOM

International leaders welcomed the news that Israel and Hamas had agreed an open-ended ceasefire. Several pledged commitment to Gaza’s demilitarisation and called for the Palestinian Authority (PA) to once again administer the Gaza Strip.

Middle East Minister Tobias Ellwood welcomed the truce, describing it as a “welcome window of opportunity for reaching a comprehensive agreement.” He said that under such an arrangement “Hamas and other militant groups permanently end rocket fire and other attacks against Israel; the Palestinian Authority resumes control of Gaza … and that Israel lifts its restrictions in order to ease the suffering of ordinary Palestinians.” Ellwood pledged, “The international community stands ready to assist.”

US Secretary of State John Kerry described the agreement as “an opportunity” and that “certain bedrock outcomes are essential if there is to be long term solution for Gaza.” Kerry specified, “Israelis have to be able to live in peace and security, without terrorist attacks, without rockets, without tunnels, without sirens going off and families scrambling to bomb shelters.” He also emphasised that. “Palestinians also need to be able to live in peace and security and have full economic and social opportunities.”

Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon praised the ceasefire agreement, but added it must be a chance to “tackle the root causes of the crisis” or else it will “set the stage for the next cycle of violence.” Ban said this meant that Gaza “must be brought back under one legitimate Palestinian Government,” that Israel’s security concerns must be addressed while Israeli restrictions end.

Former-Prime Minister Tony Blair, currently the Quartet Middle East envoy congratulated Egypt on successfully negotiating the truce. He said, “The Quartet will now concentrate on a long-term plan for Gaza and for its reconstruction, including the effective… re-connection to the outside world under the authority of the PA Government.” Blair added, “Such a plan will enable a proper and decent life for the people of Gaza, as well as protect the security of the people of Israel.”

The EU also welcomed the development, reiterating its readiness to play a role in consolidating the ceasefire. The EU Council said on 15 August that it was ready to play an active role in establishing mechanisms for movement and access, whilst stressing that “all terrorist groups in Gaza must disarm.”