MOGADISHU, Somalia – The Federal Republic of Somalia has officially welcomed the recent ceasefire agreement brokered in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, extending gratitude to regional and international mediators whose efforts made the accord possible.
The Sharm El-Sheikh agreement comprises critical provisions: an immediate ceasefire, measures to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, the release of prisoners and detainees, and the resumption of political negotiations under international oversight. Somalia described these elements as “key steps” toward ending hostilities and alleviating the suffering of civilians.
In its statement, the Somali government expressed hope that this accord would become “a genuine step toward achieving a just and comprehensive peace” — one that ends the hardships faced by Palestinians while fostering security and stability across the Middle East.
The new deal comes after weeks of high-stakes diplomacy in Egypt. Indirect talks between Hamas and Israeli representatives were mediated by Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the United States, based in part on a 20-point blueprint proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Israel’s cabinet ratified its part of the deal, triggering a suspension of hostilities and the exchange of hostages and prisoners.
Somalia has long aligned itself with the Palestinian cause. It was among the earliest states to recognize the State of Palestine, formally doing so on November 15, 1988 — just one day after Algeria. Under successive governments, Somalia has consistently voiced support for Palestinian rights at forums such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the United Nations.
Importantly, Somalia has no formal diplomatic relations with Israel — a position it shares with many Muslim and Arab-majority states. This reflects longstanding policy choices rooted in solidarity with the Palestinian cause and in opposition to occupation.
In recent months, reports surfaced that U.S. and Israeli officials had approached East African nations — including Somalia and its breakaway region Somaliland — about resettling Palestinians displaced from Gaza.
Somalia’s government swiftly rejected any such proposals, declaring them contrary to the Palestinian people’s rights and to Somalia’s own sovereignty. Looking Ahead
Somalia reiterated its “steadfast support” for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, including the establishment of an independent and sovereign state. It also affirmed support for global efforts to reinforce human dignity, uphold international law, and contribute to a just and lasting resolution of the conflict.
As the Sharm El-Sheikh agreement is put into effect, Somalia’s statement marks its intention to remain a vocal participant in diplomatic and humanitarian efforts — aligning with regional and international players seeking to shepherd the Middle East toward a durable peace.
