President Nikos Christodoulides on Thursday said he welcomes the agreement to implement the first phase of a ceasefire plan between the State of Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

“Full implementation by all is essential to end suffering and pave the way for lasting peace and a two-state solution,” he said, before going on to describe Thursday as “a day of promise and hope for our region”.

Earlier, Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos had said Cyprus “welcomes the announcement of reaching the first phase” of the deal.

“I commend the US for its leadership and continued diplomatic efforts in this direction,” he said, adding that the full implementation of the agreement was “absolutely vital”.

The foreign ministry in late September said that it welcomed United States President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan for Gaza, describing it as a “a vital step to end [the] war in Gaza” and to bring about the release of hostages and secure “humanitarian aid on a massive scale”.

“We reaffirm the urgency of lasting peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians alike, based on the two-state solution. Cyprus commends the US’ leadership and mediating efforts,” the ministry said.