French President Emmanuel Macron called on Wednesday for a political solution to the conflict between Israel and Hamas after a ceasefire agreement was announced in the Gaza Strip.

Macron stressed the importance of ensuring respect for the ceasefire, affirming that it represents a great relief for the people of Gaza and hope for the hostages and their families after 15 months of what he described as an “unjustified ordeal.”

A statement issued by the French Foreign Ministry said that the ceasefire must be implemented and maintained, and lead to the release of all hostages.

The ministry also called for urgent measures to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to begin reconstruction efforts immediately.

France also called on supporters of both Israel and Palestine to use the ceasefire as an opportunity to work towards a two-state solution, ensuring security for both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples. France stressed that this is the only way to achieve a just and lasting peace.

Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip and a prisoner exchange, announced yesterday after arduous negotiations mediated by Egypt, Qatar and the United States, and is set to go into effect next Sunday.

The agreement, which is to be implemented in stages, includes a schedule for an initial six-week ceasefire period. This period is scheduled to witness a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for the release of Palestinians from Israeli prisons.