MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somalia and Djibouti have expressed strong support for the recently brokered Gaza ceasefire agreement, commending the diplomatic efforts of regional and international mediators in securing a deal aimed at halting hostilities, ensuring humanitarian access, and paving the way for long-term peace in the region. The agreement, finalized on Thursday in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, marks a significant step toward addressing the protracted conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has devastated Gaza since October 2023.
In a statement released on Friday, Somalia’s Foreign Ministry reiterated its unwavering commitment to Palestinian rights, emphasizing the need for a just resolution to the conflict. “Somalia welcomes the Gaza peace deal and hopes that this agreement will serve as a genuine step towards achieving a just and comprehensive peace that ends the suffering of the Palestinian people and consolidates security and stability in the region,” the ministry said. The statement also reaffirmed Somalia’s long-standing support for the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state, a position rooted in the country’s broader foreign policy advocating for self-determination and justice.
Similarly, Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh issued a statement praising the mediation efforts of the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye, which played a pivotal role in brokering the ceasefire. “We commend the tireless efforts of the guarantor states in facilitating this agreement,” Guelleh said. “We urge full implementation to secure peace, humanitarian access, and a credible path to a two-state solution.” His remarks underscored the importance of translating the agreement into tangible outcomes, including the rebuilding of Gaza and addressing the humanitarian crisis that has left millions in dire conditions.
The Gaza ceasefire agreement, announced after months of negotiations, was finalized in Egypt’s Red Sea city of Sharm el-Sheikh. The 20-point plan, first outlined on September 29, 2025, addresses several critical aspects of the conflict. Key provisions include the release of all Israeli captives held by Hamas in exchange for a significant number of Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel. The deal also mandates an immediate ceasefire, the disarmament of Hamas, and a comprehensive plan for the reconstruction of Gaza, which has been ravaged by nearly two years of relentless Israeli military operations.
Since October 2023, the conflict in Gaza has exacted a devastating toll. According to Palestinian health authorities, Israeli attacks have resulted in the deaths of approximately 67,200 Palestinians, with women and children constituting the majority of the casualties. The relentless bombardment has rendered large swathes of Gaza uninhabitable, destroying homes, schools, hospitals, and critical infrastructure. The United Nations and other humanitarian organizations have reported widespread starvation, with acute food insecurity affecting nearly the entire population of 2.3 million. The destruction has also led to outbreaks of diseases, exacerbated by limited access to clean water, sanitation, and medical care.
The ceasefire agreement comes at a critical juncture, as international pressure has mounted to address the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. The mediation process, led by Qatar and Egypt with support from the United States and Türkiye, has been hailed as a diplomatic breakthrough. The guarantor states have committed to overseeing the implementation of the agreement, ensuring compliance from both Israel and Hamas. This includes monitoring the ceasefire, facilitating the exchange of captives and prisoners, and coordinating international aid efforts to rebuild Gaza’s infrastructure.
Somalia and Djibouti’s endorsements of the ceasefire reflect a broader regional sentiment in the Horn of Africa, where countries have consistently voiced solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Somalia, in particular, has a history of advocating for Palestinian self-determination at international forums, including the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The country’s foreign policy is grounded in principles of sovereignty and opposition to occupation, making its support for the Gaza deal a natural extension of its diplomatic stance.
Djibouti, a key player in regional stability and host to several international military bases, has similarly positioned itself as an advocate for peace and humanitarian solutions. President Guelleh’s call for a “credible path to a two-state solution” aligns with the international community’s long-standing framework for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The two-state solution, which envisions the establishment of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel, remains a cornerstone of diplomatic efforts despite repeated setbacks.
The ceasefire agreement has also drawn reactions from other parts of the world. The United Nations Secretary-General welcomed the deal, describing it as “a vital step toward ending the bloodshed and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.” However, the UN has cautioned that the success of the agreement depends on the commitment of all parties to uphold its terms. International aid organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross and Médecins Sans Frontières, have called for immediate and unimpeded access to deliver humanitarian assistance to Gaza’s population.
The disarmament of Hamas, a key component of the agreement, has sparked debate among analysts. While some view it as a necessary step to prevent future escalations, others argue that it could weaken Palestinian resistance to Israeli occupation. Hamas, for its part, has agreed to the terms but emphasized that its compliance is contingent on Israel fulfilling its obligations, including the release of Palestinian prisoners and the lifting of restrictions on Gaza.
The reconstruction of Gaza presents another formidable challenge. The enclave’s infrastructure has been decimated, with an estimated $50 billion needed to rebuild homes, schools, hospitals, and utilities. The international community, led by the guarantor states, has pledged to mobilize resources for reconstruction, but questions remain about the mechanisms for delivering aid and ensuring transparency. Previous reconstruction efforts in Gaza have been hampered by bureaucratic delays, funding shortages, and political disputes.
For Somalia and Djibouti, the Gaza ceasefire represents not only a diplomatic achievement but also an opportunity to advocate for broader peace and stability in the Middle East. Both countries have faced their own challenges with conflict and humanitarian crises, giving them a unique perspective on the importance of international cooperation in resolving protracted conflicts. Somalia, in particular, has been rebuilding after decades of civil war and insurgency, while Djibouti has played a stabilizing role in the Horn of Africa, mediating disputes and hosting peacekeeping efforts.
The ceasefire agreement also highlights the growing influence of regional mediators like Qatar and Egypt, which have leveraged their diplomatic clout to bridge divides between Israel and Hamas. Türkiye’s involvement, meanwhile, reflects its ambition to play a larger role in Middle Eastern affairs, while the United States’ participation underscores its continued influence in the region despite domestic political shifts.
As the ceasefire takes effect, the international community is closely monitoring its implementation. The exchange of captives and prisoners is expected to begin in the coming days, with humanitarian aid convoys preparing to enter Gaza. The success of these initial steps will be critical in building trust between the parties and laying the groundwork for long-term peace negotiations.
In Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital, public sentiment has been overwhelmingly supportive of the ceasefire. Local activists and community leaders have organized solidarity events to express hope for a lasting resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. In Djibouti, similar sentiments have been echoed, with calls for the international community to remain engaged in supporting Gaza’s recovery.
The road ahead remains fraught with challenges. The ceasefire, while a significant achievement, is only the first step in addressing the deep-seated issues underlying the conflict. For Somalia and Djibouti, the agreement represents a beacon of hope, demonstrating the power of diplomacy to resolve even the most intractable conflicts. As the world watches Gaza’s next chapter unfold, the commitment of regional and international actors will be crucial in ensuring that this ceasefire leads to lasting peace and justice for the Palestinian people.
