The European Green Party (EGP) welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, marking a step that will hopefully end the cycle of violence that has caused immense suffering.

Ahead of the announcement, far right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir admitted to scuppering previous ceasefire deals numerous times. As a result, hostages remained in captivity and Gazans continued to suffer indiscriminate violence from the Israeli Defence Forces.

Vula Tsetsi, co-chair of the European Green Party, said:

“We can only hope that today’s ceasefire will finally break the cycle of violence. While nothing can bring back the tens of thousands of Palestinians, including women and children who have been killed, nor Israeli victims of the Hamas attack of 7 October 2023, we hope that an agreement will serve as the foundation for a lasting peace and a two-state solution."

Ciarán Cuffe, co-chair of the European Green Party, emphasized the importance of international efforts in ensuring a fair and lasting peace:

“We have witnessed 465 days of destruction during which Gaza has been devastated beyond recognition. We urge European institutions and national governments to actively engage in diplomatic efforts to ensure that the ceasefire agreement holds, that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is addressed immediately and that both sides work constructively towards an enduring peace.”