Tuesday 21,Jan,2025 {HMC} Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi Ahmed, commended the recent ceasefire agreement brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States.
Speaking at the United Nations Security Council’s 9841st meeting, which addressed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Minister Fiqi reaffirmed Somalia’s unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause.
The Minister emphasized the need to tackle the conflict’s root causes, calling for an end to the Israeli occupation and the blockade on Gaza. He highlighted the importance of comprehensive reconstruction efforts in Gaza, advocating for initiatives that not only focus on rebuilding infrastructure but also prioritize investment in people, community support, and economic development to pave the way for a stable and just future.
Minister Fiqi reiterated Somalia’s strong support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), underscoring its vital role in providing humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees. He urged the international community to ensure UNRWA’s uninterrupted operations and to unite against unilateral actions that could exacerbate the crisis.
In his address, the Minister reaffirmed Somalia’s commitment to a just and lasting resolution of the conflict based on international legitimacy. He stressed the importance of the Arab Peace Initiative, advocating for establishing an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. He called on the international community to intensify efforts to end the Israeli occupation and achieve sustainable peace in the region.
The ceasefire, entering its first six-week phase, Hamas is to release 33 hostages in total, with at least three hostages released each week. In turn, Israel will release 30 Palestinians from prison for each Israeli civilian Hamas releases, and 50 for each soldier. Hamas released the first three Israeli hostages from Gaza and Israel released 90 Palestinian prisoners on Sunday, day one of the ceasefire.
Source Hiiraan online
