Italy welcomes Gaza ceasefire agreement

(ANSA) - ROME, JAN 16 - Premier Giorgia Meloni's government has welcomed the agreement between Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire in Gaza.
    "Italy warmly welcomes the announcement that an agreement has been reached for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of the hostages held by Hamas, and congratulates Egypt, Qatar and the United States for this result, achieved after a long negotiation process which the Italian Government has always firmly supported, also as G7 Presidency," the premier's office said in a statement.
    "Italy has closely followed the distressing situation of the Hamas-held hostages from the very beginning, and now expects all hostages to finally be able to return to their families.
    "The ceasefire provides an important opportunity to substantially increase humanitarian aid to the civilian population in Gaza. Italy will continue its efforts in this regard, also through the 'Food for Gaza' initiative, focusing on food security and health.
    "Together with its European and international partners, Italy is ready to play its part in the stabilisation and reconstruction of Gaza and in consolidating the cessation of hostilities on a permanent basis, also with a view to relaunching a political process towards a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, based on the two-state solution, with Israel and a State of Palestine living side by side in peace and security, within mutually recognised borders". (ANSA).