RIYADH: Portugal’s Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel has praised the Trump administration’s success in brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, calling the Gaza peace deal a breakthrough that has brought “huge progress on the ground.”
Speaking to Arab News in Riyadh, Rangel said the agreement, which saw the release of hostages and prisoners and a halt to two years of bloodshed, represents a historic turning point for the region and a long-awaited opportunity to relaunch peace efforts.
He cautioned, however, that the truce remains fragile and will require sustained international support. “Every peace process is always so fragile, so delicate,” he said.
“We saw that the hostages were released, the ceasefire is being implemented. And, of course, there will be difficulties because these processes are very, very difficult.”
US President Donald Trump hailed a “tremendous day for the Middle East” on Monday as he and regional leaders signed a declaration cementing a Gaza ceasefire after Israel and Hamas exchanged hostages and prisoners.
