The Taliban authorities that have ruled Afghanistan since 2021 today welcomed the ceasefire agreement for the Gaza Strip, describing it as the result of the "legendary Palestinian resistance".
The Afghan Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it applauds the ceasefire between Hamas and the "occupying entity" (Israel), while expressing appreciation for the mediators.
The Taliban specifically mentioned Qatar and Egypt, leaving aside the United States, which was also part of the negotiating team.
"The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan congratulates the Hamas leadership and the courageous Palestinian youth for this great achievement," the statement said.
The document also said that it is imperative that all phases of the agreement be implemented in order to guarantee the ceasefire and the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
The parties involved and the international community must ensure that the occupying entity fulfils its obligations and promises responsibly, the Taliban added, defending the "two-state" solution for the future.
"The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, on behalf of the Afghan people, will continue to fully support the Palestinian people in realizing their dream of creating an independent Palestinian state," it stressed.
The agreement, reached after months of talks mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States, is divided into three phases.
The first phase will last 42 days and will ensure the cessation of hostilities, the withdrawal of Israeli troops to the border and the exchange of 33 Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners.
Despite the agreement, Israel announced today that it would postpone approval of the agreement until clarifications are received from Hamas.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office says the Council of Ministers will only meet to approve the ceasefire agreement once Hamas has cleared up a "last-minute crisis," accusing Hamas of trying to alter details of the ceasefire plan announced Wednesday by Qatar.
According to Israeli government sources cited by the US news agency Associated Press, the Israeli government will not approve the implementation of the agreement until the differences are cleared up.
"Hamas is reneging on parts of the agreement reached with the mediators and Israel in an attempt to extract last-minute concessions," the Israeli leader's office said today.
The sources added that the Council of Ministers will not meet until the mediators notify Israel that Hamas, which rules Gaza, has accepted all elements of the agreement.
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