Berlin (dpa) – Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock sees the agreed ceasefire and release of hostages in the Gaza Strip as an important step. “The announced release of the first major group of hostage is a breakthrough – even if nothing in the world can undo their suffering. The humanitarian pause must be used to bring vital aid to people in Gaza,” said Baerbock. Germany had worked intensively to resolve the hostage situation. To this end, the foreign minister had travelled to the Middle East on several occasions to hold talks.
Early Wednesday morning, the Israeli government reached agreement with Hamas on a four-day ceasefire and the release of dozens of hostages in return for the release of Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. The exact start of the ceasefire is to be announced within 24 hours, according to Qatar, which is playing an intermediary role.