LONDON, August 14, 2014 (WAFA) – Italian Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond welcomed the five-day extension of Gaza ceasefire reached in Cairo between the Israeli-Palestinian sides under the Egyptian auspices. Thursday reported a press release issued by British Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

“The extension of negotiations should provide respite from the violence for the beleaguered people of Gaza and an opportunity for aid agencies and others to address the dire humanitarian situation there,” said the release.

“I welcome the agreement by all parties to extend the humanitarian ceasefire and to work towards a lasting ceasefire in Gaza, with Egyptian mediation. I have called the Egyptian Foreign Minister, Sameh Shukri, to congratulate him on his efforts,” stated the release.

The release said that, “It is vital that militant groups end rocket fire and that the Palestinian Authority resumes control of Gaza. And Israel should ease its restrictions in order to allow ordinary Palestinians to go about their business and the Gazan economy to grow.”

“The current negotiations are not easy. But there is no other viable option than a comprehensive negotiated solution that will allow both Israeli and Palestinian families to live without fear of further violence,” the statement concluded.

T.R.