RIYADH: Saudi Arabia hailed Israel and Hamas’s deal to halt fighting in Gaza, calling for the end of “Israeli aggression” in Gaza following 15 months of conflict that left over 46,700 Palestinians dead.

“The Kingdom stresses the need to adhere to the agreement and stop the Israeli aggression on Gaza,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Palestinians in war-ton Gaza are celebrating the ceasefire announcement hoping the deal with end 15 months-long Israeli attacks, massacres, starvation, displacement and destruction.

It called for “the complete withdrawal of the Israeli occupation forces from the (Gaza) Strip and all other Palestinian and Arab territories and the return of the displaced to their areas.”

On Wednesday, mediator Qatar and later US announced a ceasefire deal beginning on Sunday along with a hostage and prisoner exchange.

As per the deal, Israel and Hamas agreed to an agreement to halt fighting in Gaza and exchange Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners. The deal includes a six-week initial ceasefire phase and gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Under the deal, Hamas will release hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

The agreement follows months of on-off negotiations brokered by Egyptian and Qatari mediators, with the backing of the United States, and came just ahead of the January 20 inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump.

Earlier today, AFP reported, citing sources close to the talks, that Palestinian groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad have approved a ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal.

Also Read: Malala Yousafzai announces emergency funding for Palestinian children in Gaza

Since October 7, 2023, more than 46,707 people, mostly women and children, have been killed in Israel’s relentless bombardment.

According to the United Nations report, at least 1.9 million people – or about 90 percent of the population – across the Gaza Strip are displaced as a result of Israeli attacks.

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