A long-awaited ceasefire

Renew Europe welcomes the ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas, marking a breakthrough for peace and humanity in a region devastated by conflict. This long-awaited step brings hope to victims, their families, and the entire region, and must serve as the foundation for a lasting end to hostilities and a credible political process.

Hilde Vautmans (Open-VLD, Belgium), Renew Europe coordinator on foreign affairs, stated: "We welcome the agreement on a ceasefire reached between Israel and Hamas. This is an important step, but we must remain cautious, there is still a long way to go. As we have called for before, an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and urgent humanitarian access to save lives in Gaza must be ensured and watched closely. As the situation remains precarious, the terms of the agreement must be respected by all."

Renew Europe welcomes the Paris meeting convened by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, alongside EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, bringing together key regional and international partners. Europe must be at the table to help uphold the ceasefire, secure humanitarian access, and prepare for reconstruction.

This agreement must open the way to meaningful political dialogue without terrorist groups and Hamas.

Aid must reach everyone in need, all parties must respect international law, and sanctions should be applied where necessary. EU member states should advance recognition of the State of Palestine to achieve genuine progress.

Renew Europe reaffirms that a viable two-state solution remains the only path to lasting peace, stability, and dignity—two democratic States, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security.