MFA Spokesman's Comments on Israel's unilateral ceasefire declaration, 18 January 2009

In response to media queries on Israel's unilateral ceasefire declaration, the MFA Spokesman said:

"We welcome Israel's unilateral declaration of a ceasefire in Gaza on 18 January 2009. This is a positive development and we urge all parties concerned to make every effort to respect the ceasefire and ensure the full cessation of hostilities in Gaza. We remain deeply concerned over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and urge all sides to take urgent steps to address the situation. We hope the ceasefire will serve as a first step in the full implementation of the terms of UNSC Resolution 1860 (2009) and that events that had led to the current situation will not be repeated. We continue to support all international efforts at reaching a durable resolution that will be in the best long term interests of both the Palestinian and Israeli peoples.

. . . . .

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
18 JANUARY 2009