Brussels: The European Commission Wednesday welcomed the announcement of a truce between Israel and Hamas, the radical Islamic movement that rules the Palestinian Gaza Strip.

"I welcome the news of the agreement between Israel, Hamas and other Palestinian factions brokered by Egypt on a mutual ceasefire inthe Gaza Strip," said Benita Ferrero-Waldner, European Union's (EU) commissioner in charge of external relations.

Ferrero-Waldner thanked Egypt for facilitating the agreement, noting that the people of Gaza and southern Israel had suffered too long.

"Complete cessation of hostilities will no doubt create an environment which is more supportive of the peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. The EU remains committed to supporting a political agreement by the end of 2008," the commissioner added.

The EU is the biggest donor to the Palestinian territories. The ceasefire was due to take effect Thursday morning.

 

Source : IANS