UN envoy for Middle East peace process welcomes Israel-Hamas hostage swap agreement

By Peter Kenny

GENEVA (AA) - The UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process on Wednesday welcomed the agreement between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas for a four-day humanitarian pause in fighting and the hostage swap.

“I welcome the announcements of a deal to secure the release of hostages abducted by Hamas and others during horrific attacks on Oct. 7," Tor Wennesland said in a written statement.

“It is critical that we see safe access and a continuous flow of humanitarian aid to all those in need.”

The UN envoy appreciated the governments of Egypt, Qatar, and the US for facilitating the agreement.

“I also welcome the announcement of a 4-day humanitarian pause in Gaza. This pause must be used to its fullest extent to facilitate the release of hostages and alleviate the dire needs of Palestinians in Gaza,” the official added.

Under the Qatar-mediated agreement, 50 Israelis held by Hamas will be released in exchange for 150 Palestinian detainees in Israeli jails.

The deal also includes the entry of 300 trucks loaded with humanitarian aid, including fuel, into the Gaza Strip.

The UN coordinator said: “All parties must live up to their responsibilities to uphold this important agreement.

“This is an important step, but more must be done, and I will continue all efforts to bring the suffering to an end.”