Egypt Forms A Joint Workspace To Supervise The Implementation Of Gaza's Armistice

Gazans were forced to flee to avoid the bomb falling from Israeli airstrikes that often killed many Palestinian civilians. (doc UNRWA)

JAKARTA - Egypt has officially announced the establishment of a joint workspace to monitor the implementation of a Gaza ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, facilitate the entry of aid into the Gaza Strip, and oversee the movement of people.

The announcement was made in a statement issued by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, on Saturday evening local time or a day after Cairo hosted an international meeting to follow up on the deal reached on Wednesday.

"Kairo announced the success of Egypt's hard efforts that have been carried out since the start of the Gaza crisis on October 7, 2023, in collaboration with our regional and international partners, to reach a ceasefire agreement," the statement read.

The statement affirms Egypt's commitment to coordinating with its partners, Qatar and the US, to ensure full stability of the deal and its implementation through the establishment of a joint workspace.

The ministry explained that Egypt-based control rooms will monitor the exchange of hostages and detainees, the entry of humanitarian aid, and the movement of people after the reopening of Rafah's crossing.

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said the agreement would take effect on Sunday at 8.30 a.m. local time (06.30 GMT).

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry also highlighted that the agreement ensured the mediators' commitment to implement the three phases in accordance with the agreed period with the aim of ending the humanitarian tragedy experienced by Gaza's population for more than a year.

Cairo thanked Qatar for the fruitful and sustainable cooperation in reaching a ceasefire agreement.

Cairo also praised the important role played by US President-elect Donald Trump and President Joe Biden in resolving the crisis. Qatar announced a three-phase ceasefire agreement on Wednesday to end Israel's more than 15-month deadly attack on the Gaza Strip with a ceasefire that will take effect at 8.30 a.m. local time on Sunday.