Pascal Allizard and Pere Joan Pons in Ramallah, 8 March 2025COPENHAGEN, 13 October 2025 – Following agreement on a ceasefire, the release of hostages and key elements of a peace plan for Gaza, OSCE PA President Pere Joan Pons (Spain) and Special Representative on Mediterranean Affairs Pascal Allizard (France) welcomed the developments as important first steps.
“The start of a ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the release of hostages after more than two years mark hugely important initial steps for peace in the region,” they said. “We cannot overstate how pleased we are to witness the release of hostages earlier today. We anxiously await the completion of next steps in the plan, including the delivery of massive amounts of humanitarian aid to support the population in Gaza.”
“The agreed peace plan is a testament to the importance of diplomatic work, and we applaud the American role – as well as the support offered by Qatar, Egypt and Türkiye – in bringing about this result. The OSCE PA stands firmly behind all efforts that can move the region toward peace and sustainable security for all people in the region, and we call on all political forces to put their efforts behind continued implementation.”
Earlier this year, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly contributed its support to ongoing diplomatic efforts in the region by voicing strong political backing in the Porto Declaration. The President and Special Representative called for continued momentum, and encouraged multilateral efforts aimed at securing a long-lasting ceasefire within a framework of collective security guarantees.
They noted that continued political engagement to build lasting security for all will be crucial, coming after the killing of some 50,000 civilians in Gaza, and what the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967 has referred to as “genocide.”
Pons and Allizard visited Israel and the West Bank earlier this year, personally witnessing the impacts of the 7 October terrorist attacks and the daily hardships experienced by people living in the region.
