Arab Ministers Welcome Ceasefire Between Israel and Hamas and Call for Extension of Combat Halt

Arab foreign ministers welcomed the temporary ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) in Gaza on Wednesday. However, they stated that it should be extended as a first step towards a complete cessation of hostilities. The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan discussed during a roundtable with journalists in London that the agreement, which includes the release of hostages and increased assistance to the Gaza Strip, should ultimately lead to the resumption of negotiations for a two-state solution. The Arab foreign ministers head what is known as the contact group composed of predominantly Muslim countries that are pressuring Israel's main allies to put an end to the war in Gaza.