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The African Union, Somalia, and South Africa have welcomed the Gaza cease-fire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas resistance group, expressing hope for a sustainable resolution to the long-standing conflict. The African Union Commission chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, commended the efforts of Qatar, Egypt, and the United States in brokering the agreement and called for its full and immediate implementation. He emphasized the importance of justice and peace for the people of Palestine, urging all parties involved to honor their commitments and work toward a permanent resolution.
South Africa echoed similar sentiments, describing the cease-fire as a critical first step in addressing the severe humanitarian crisis faced by the 2.3 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. In a statement, South Africa’s Foreign Ministry called for a “just and lasting peace” that protects the human rights of both Palestinians and Israelis. The ministry emphasized that the cease-fire must serve as the foundation for a sovereign, independent, and contiguous Palestinian state, warning against land annexation in Gaza or the West Bank and the continuation of illegal settlement expansions.
The South African government also highlighted the significance of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) rulings, which described the situation in Gaza as plausibly genocidal. It insisted that the occupying power must adhere to international law and humanitarian obligations, ensuring the well-being and rights of Palestinian civilians. The country reaffirmed its commitment to supporting efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful and comprehensive solution to the conflict.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud also welcomed the agreement and praised Qatar, Egypt, and the US for their diplomatic efforts. He stressed the importance of maintaining the cease-fire and urged the international community to prioritize the rapid delivery of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. In a statement, Mohamud underscored the urgency of stabilizing the situation and alleviating the suffering of millions affected by the conflict. Somalia reiterated its unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the two-state solution.
The cease-fire agreement, which is set to take effect this Sunday, was announced by Qatari Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman. The agreement marks a significant moment in the ongoing conflict, which has resulted in widespread destruction and immense human suffering. According to reports, over 156,000 Palestinians—most of them women and children—have been killed or injured since the start of the war. The devastating conflict has also left more than 11,000 people missing and has severely impacted the region’s infrastructure, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
As the international community responds to the cease-fire, there is growing pressure to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those in need without delay. Relief organizations and governments are mobilizing resources to provide medical assistance, food, and shelter to displaced Palestinians. The conflict has been described as one of the worst humanitarian crises in modern history, with thousands of lives lost and countless families torn apart.
The recent cease-fire announcement brings cautious optimism, but stakeholders stress the need for a long-term political solution to address the root causes of the conflict. The African Union, South Africa, and Somalia continue to advocate for diplomacy and peaceful dialogue as the best path forward to achieving stability in the region. International organizations and world leaders are being called upon to redouble their efforts in supporting negotiations that can lead to lasting peace and security for both Palestinians and Israelis.
The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the cease-fire holds and whether efforts to rebuild Gaza and provide much-needed aid can move forward effectively. The hope remains that this agreement will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the pursuit of peace and justice in the region.