EU welcomes Gaza ceasefire, urges implementation

(BRUSSELS) - European Union leaders, Jose Manuel Barroso and Herman Van Rompuy, on Wednesday welcomed the ceasefire proclaimed in Gaza, saying it was "now crucial" to make sure it was implemented.

In a joint statement, Barroso, who heads the European Commission, and Van Rompuy, president of the EU Council, said "we welcome wholeheartedly the ceasefire that has just been proclaimed in Gaza".

"It is now crucial to ensure its implementation and to prevent the restart of violence," they said.

The statement added that the events of the last days "stress the urgent need to move towards a two-state solution allowing both sides to live side-by-side in peace and security".

"The European Union remains determined to continue working to assist in achieving this goal."

Gazans took to the streets to celebrate the start of a truce deal with Israel, firing into the air, honking car horns and chanting victory slogans shortly after the 1900 GMT deadline for the ceasefire to start.

It was agreed in a deal between Israel and Hamas that was announced in Egypt on the eighth day of violence in and around Gaza.

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton later said she commended "in particular the efforts of Egypt and all those who engaged in mediating between the parties to secure this ceasefire.

"The European Union will continue its efforts to ensure a sustainable solution to the present situation in the Gaza Strip. This is crucial for ending all violence and enhancing security in the region," she said.