After months of devastating bloodshed and countless lives lost, there is finally hope for the Israeli and Palestinian people. On 15 January 2025, US President Biden and Qatari Prime Minister Al Thani confirmed a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, marking the beginning of the end of one of the darkest chapters in recent history.
The UK Labour government has welcomed the agreement reached between Israel and Hamas.
The ceasefire, active as of the afternoon of 19 January, has seen the first exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees, including the release of British citizen Emily Damari. After enduring months of unimaginable hardship, Emily’s reunion with her family symbolises a profound step toward healing. The UK Labour government stands ready to support those affected as they begin to rebuild their lives.
This critical turning point comes after the horrific events of October 7th, 2023, when a brutal attack by Hamas resulted in the deadliest massacre of Jewish people since the Holocaust. The conflict has inflicted immeasurable suffering on both sides, with countless lives lost and families torn apart.
The agreement and first exchange signify a new chapter for the first tranche of hostages, bringing an end to their anguish and allowing them to reunite with their families. Amongst those lost were British citizens, whose memories will continue to be honoured.
All remaining hostages must now be released.
In Gaza, the civilian population has faced unparalleled suffering, with over 46,000 lives lost and millions displaced from their homes. Entire neighbourhoods, schools, and hospitals lie in ruins, and a generation has been scarred by the horrors of this terrible war.
This ceasefire brings a crucial opportunity for a surge in humanitarian aid to address the population’s urgent needs and begin the recovery process. Hunger, disease, and displacement have created a crisis that demands immediate international attention.
The agreement, as negotiated, has 3 stages.
In the first 6-week phase, we expect:
- both parties will stop fighting
- 33 of the hostages will be freed – children, women, those over 50 and the wounded.
- Israel will start to redeploy to the edge of the Strip.
- Palestinians will return to what is left of their homes.
- the Rafah crossing will reopen.
- Israel will allow 600 truckloads of aid into Gaza each day.
- on the 16th day, negotiations will begin on the details of the second phase.
In this second 6-week phase:
- the male hostages under 50 would be released.
- Israel would complete its withdrawal from Gaza.
- there would be a permanent ceasefire.
Finally, a third phase would see the return of the bodies of any remaining hostages and the lifting of economic restrictions on Gaza.
This breakthrough is the result of tireless diplomatic efforts by our international partners, in particular the Emir of Qatar, Prime Minister al-Thani, Egyptian President Sisi and Foreign Minister Abdelatty, President Biden and Secretary Blinken, and, President-Elect Trump.
The UK has been supporting them throughout. From day one in office, this UK Labour government has pressed, at every opportunity, to free the hostages, get more aid into Gaza and open up a path to lasting peace.
There remains much to be done.
The UK has played a significant role in international efforts, providing over £100 million in aid this financial year, supporting field hospitals, and funding recovery initiatives for Palestinians. These contributions are part of the broader humanitarian effort to alleviate suffering and lay the foundation for a more stable future.
This UK Labour government is steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of this agreement. All hostages must be returned, aid must be allowed to flow into Gaza, and every effort must be made to rebuild Gaza’s shattered communities.
Now is not the time for any backtracking. Both sides must implement each phase of the deal in full and on time.
The UK has already begun convening international donors to coordinate recovery and reconstruction efforts, recognising the critical role of global cooperation in securing lasting peace. The rebuilding process will involve working closely with the Palestinian Authority and international partners to establish inclusive governance and restore essential services in the region.
This ceasefire is more than a temporary halt to violence; it is a vital opportunity to break the cycle of conflict and create a path toward lasting peace. Achieving a two-state solution remains at the heart of this vision, establishing a sovereign and viable Palestinian state and ensuring security for Israel.
The future will be challenging, but this moment represents a rare and precious chance for progress. With sustained momentum and collective action, that future can be one of hope, stability, and coexistence for Palestinians and Israelis alike.
Read all my recent statements on the situation in the Middle East below: