Ammon News -

The United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland welcomed the implementation of the hostage agreement between Israel and Hamas.

"I welcome today's start to the implementation of the agreement reached on Wednesday, November 22, which saw the release of 13 Israeli hostages abducted by Hamas and others on October 7 and the release of 39 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli prisons," Wennesland said in a statement issued at the UN in New York Friday.

"I also welcome the release of a number of foreign workers held in Gaza. I look forward to additional releases expected over the coming days," Wennesland added.

Israel and Hamas reached a deal for a four-day pause in fighting and the release of 50 hostages held in Gaza that began on Friday.

Wennesland said the pause in fighting "went into effect with relative calm, allowing truckloads of aid to go into Gaza."

"These developments are a significant humanitarian breakthrough that we need to build on," according to Wennesland.

Earlier Friday, the UN said 137 trucks of humanitarian aid were driven into the Gaza Strip, marking the largest aid convoy that has moved into the enclave since October 7.

Wennesland also called for the release of all hostages held by Hamas and others in Gaza.

Welcome start to the implementation of 22 Nov. agrmt. Look forward to additional releases. A significant humanitarian breakthrough that we need to build on. All concerned must uphold their commitments. Urge parties to exhaust every effort to achieve extended humanitarian CF. 👇 pic.twitter.com/jLnO3DNreg

— Tor Wennesland (@TWennesland) November 24, 2023