22 November 2023- Press Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus regarding the release of hostages and a humanitarian pause in Gaza
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes the agreement for the release of 50 hostages - women and children- held hostage in Gaza since 7 October, and for a humanitarian pause. We express our appreciation to Qatar, Egypt and the United States of America for their efforts and instrumental role in brokering this deal.
It is imperative that the agreement is implemented in full. Further to this, all hostages must be immediately and unconditionally released by Hamas. The humanitarian pause will present a crucial opportunity to deliver extensive humanitarian relief to those in need.
We reiterate our readiness to further contribute to complementary efforts for providing increased volumes of humanitarian assistance through the Cyprus maritime corridor proposal. This is a distinct effort, for which we are in technical deliberations on modalities with the aim to be operationally poised to servicing civilians as soon as possible.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Wednesday, 22 November 2023