Taipei, Nov. 23 (CNA) Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Thursday welcomed news of a four-day truce reached between Israel and Hamas, describing it as a positive step toward peace.
On Wednesday, Israel and Hamas announced a deal allowing at least 50 hostages and scores of Palestinian prisoners to be freed as well as a pause in fighting after more than 40 days of all-out war.
Asked to comment, Anthony Ho (賀忠義), the head of MOFA’s Department of West Asian and African Affairs, said Taiwan’s government recognized the significance of the deal as well as the mediation role played by the United States, Qatar and Egypt.
“We are hoping to see more follow-up mediations and talks that will ultimately bring peace to that region,” Ho added.
On Oct. 7, Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing 1,400 and kidnapping a further 226, according to the Israeli government.
Since then, Israel has responded with continuous airstrikes on Gaza, killing at least 14,532 people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
Ho said that since the start of the conflict, MOFA had evacuated a total of 187 Taiwanese nationals living in Israel to other places with charter flights.
Oct. 20: 14 evacuees arrive in Italy from Israel on Taiwan-paid charter flight
An additional 135 citizens of the Republic of China (Taiwan) have chosen to remain in Israel, Ho added.
Among these are 76 spouses of Israeli nationals and 11 students, Ho said.
In response to Hamas’ attack on Israel, President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文), Vice President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) and Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) issued statements condemning terrorist threats and acts of violence against civilians.
On Oct. 23, Taiwan’s representative to Israel Abby Lee (李雅萍) pledged a donation of US$70,000 to Israeli NGO Pitchon-Lev.
Ho said Thursday that Taiwan was also considering offering assistance to Palestine people affected by the war and was currently in talks with international NGOs.
Nov. 10: ‘Cease-fire needed’: Taiwanese doctor recalls evacuation from Gaza
