Australia welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire and hostage agreement in Gaza after 15 months of conflict and a devastating loss of civilian life.
Australia has consistently been part of the international call for a ceasefire and release of hostages.
We urge all parties to respect its terms and safeguard a lasting peace, including ensuring the immediate release of all hostages and unimpeded and sustained increases in humanitarian assistance to all parts of Gaza.
Our thoughts are with all the civilians killed, displaced and taken hostage in this conflict, and the many humanitarian workers who lost their lives in the service of others.
This agreement is a constructive step towards peace and stability in the region. It must mark the beginning of a new chapter for the Israeli and Palestinian people.
Australia will continue working with the international community towards a two-state solution - a Palestinian state and the State of Israel, living side by side in peace and security within internationally recognised borders.
We hope it will allow the Palestinian people the opportunity to rebuild, reform their governance, and pursue self-determination.
Australia remains unequivocal in our condemnation of Hamas' atrocities on 7 October, and its ongoing acts of terror. There must be no role for Hamas in the future governance of Gaza. Any future Palestinian state must not be in a position to threaten Israel's security.
We will continue to act in partnership with the international community to support the urgent humanitarian needs of the people of Gaza.
We thank the mediators-the United States, Qatar and Egypt-for their tireless efforts to bring parties to an agreement to end this war.
