Leaders in Asia have welcomed the US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, hailing it as a turning point in the Gaza conflict while cautioning that deeper challenges lie ahead for lasting peace to materialise.
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The initial agreement, announced by US President Donald Trump on Thursday, includes a pause in fighting and the release of both Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees. Trump said he planned to travel to Egypt for the agreement’s formal signing, while the White House confirmed that hostages were expected to be released on Monday.
Of the 48 hostages slated to be released, 20 are believed to be alive, according to Israeli authorities. The US military is reportedly preparing to deploy up to 200 troops in Gaza to support stabilisation efforts and humanitarian aid supplies in the Palestinian territory.
A lasting ceasefire could help improve Washington’s standing in Asia, where Washington’s credibility has been dented over its resolute support for Israel despite the devastating war in Gaza, according to analysts.
‘Long and winding’ road to peace
On Thursday, Japan welcomed the first phase of the peace plan as a “significant” step towards ending the conflict, pledging to play a role in Gaza’s recovery.
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Hailing Trump’s “strong” leadership, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba wrote in a social media post that the international community must “seize this opportunity to realise a swift improvement of the humanitarian situation, lasting peace, and a two-state solution” and that Japan would “continue to play a proactive role”.