Poland stands with EU in support of proposed Gaza ceasefire deal
The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that the country, together with the European Union, fully supports the plan presented by US President Joe Biden for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages and an urgent influx of humanitarian aid.
The ministry, in a post on the X platform on Wednesday, addressed the EU's statement expressing its support for Biden's plan, published by the Council of the EU on Tuesday.
The statement reads: "Poland stands with the EU in full support of the roadmap outlined by @POTUS for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and increasing humanitarian aid."
In the post, the ministry also commended the efforts made by the US, Egypt and Qatar "in facilitating negotiations."
The truce proposal presented by US President Joe Biden on Friday assumes a six-week long, full ceasefire, the retreat of the Israeli army from the populated areas of the Gaza Strip, the release of most of the hostages, the release of Palestinian convicts and detainees from prison, and allowing humanitarian aid trucks to enter Gaza.
Later, discussions regarding the subsequent actions of the plan would encompass a permanent end of hostilities and a full retreat of Israeli forces from Gaza. This would be followed by a significant initiative to rebuild the Palestinian territories and the liberation of all remaining hostages.
Josep Borrell, the head of EU diplomacy, stated on Tuesday that the EU fully supports the comprehensive action plan put forward by Biden and appreciates the determined efforts of the US, Egypt and Qatar to facilitate negotiations to end the war between Israel and Hamas, while ensuring Israel's security.
The statement pointed out that too many civilians had been killed as a result of the conflict and a permanent ceasefire was urgently needed to ensure the protection of civilians, the unconditional and immediate release of all hostages whose safety and well-being is of concern. It stressed that a ceasefire is also necessary to increase the flow of much-needed humanitarian aid to Gaza in light of the worsening humanitarian crisis.
Borrell added that the EU calls on both sides to accept and fulfil the proposal, and assured that it is ready to contribute to the revitalisation of the political process for sustainable peace on the basis of a two-state solution, and to support coordinated international efforts for the reconstruction of Gaza. (PAP)
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