FG Welcomes Gaza Ceasefire Agreement As Thousands Of Palestinians Return

The Federal Government of Nigeria has welcomed the ceasefire agreement reached in Gaza between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which led to the release of three Israeli hostages on Sunday and the return of Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.

This was disclosed in a statement on Monday by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Acting Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.

The statement read, “The agreement offers the prospect of an end to the appalling loss of civilian life and the human tragedy witnessed across Gaza over the last 15 months, as well as relief for the families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza and some of the Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons. Nigeria also welcomes the supply of much-needed aid and relief materials facilitated by the peace deal.

“The ceasefire agreement presents the people of the region with an opportunity for hope and compassion. The Federal Government commends the Arab Republic of Egypt, the State of Qatar, and the United States of America for their painstaking efforts during the negotiations that resulted in the ceasefire agreement, for which they will now serve as international guarantors.

“Nigeria urges all stakeholders to build on the new momentum and work towards the successful implementation of the second and third phases of the agreement, and reaffirms its support for a two-state solution as the blueprint for a just and lasting peace for Palestine, Israel, and the entire region.”

Three female Israeli hostages held by Hamas for 15 months have been released and returned to Israel as the long-awaited ceasefire deal took effect on Sunday.

Romi Gonen, 24, Doron Steinbrecher, 31, and Emily Damari, 28, who is also a British citizen, were freed in exchange for 95 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails in a deal that could bring an end to the 15-month conflict Israel has been waging against Hamas in Gaza.

The three-phase deal was brokered last week by the US, Egypt, and Qatar, where the Qatari foreign ministry spokesman described it as the “last chance for peace”.

The first phase, lasting six weeks, is expected to see a total of 33 Israeli hostages held by Hamas exchanged for approximately 1,900 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.

Meanwhile, thousands of Palestinians have continued to return to their homes from which they were displaced by the conflict with Hamas that Israel has been waging.

Hamas attacked Israel on 7 October 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 back to Gaza as hostages. The attack triggered a massive Israeli offensive on Gaza, during which more than 46,900 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.