Brussels: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, underscoring the deal's contribution to providing much-needed hope to the Middle East.

According to Qatar News Agency, Von der Leyen posted on the X platform, stating "the humanitarian situation remains grim in Gaza," and noting that "Europe will channel 120 million Euros of aid in 2025, alongside tons of in-kind aid, to keep supporting Palestinians." She emphasized that "the ceasefire and hostage release agreement offers hope the region desperately needed," and stressed the need for both sides to fully implement the agreement as a step towards achieving permanent stability in the region and resolving the conflict through diplomatic means.

The joint mediation efforts carried out by the State of Qatar, in cooperation with Egypt and the United States, succeeded in reaching an agreement between the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) and Israel to cease fire in the Gaza Strip and exchange prisoners and detainees. The agreement will enter into force next Sunday.