Famiy members of of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza and their supporters react to ceasefire reports during a protest calling for a ceasefire and for the release of the hostages, outside the Likud party headquarters in Tel Aviv, Israel, Jan. 15. EPA-Yonhap

Korea expressed hope Thursday for a diplomatic solution for peace and stability in the Middle East, following the announcement on the ceasefire deal committing to pausing the war in the Gaza Strip.

The foreign ministry issued the commentary after the United states and Qatar announced the deal that would put a halt to the 15-month war in Gaza, a move clearing the path for a release of hostages and the improvement of the situation that has gripped the region for months since the outbreak of the conflict in October 2023.

"We welcome the agreement reached on Jan. 15 regarding the ceasefire and the release of hostages in the Gaza Strip, and highly appreciate the diplomatic efforts of the United States, Qatar and Egypt, which played a vital role in the conclusion of the agreement," ministry spokesperson Lee Jae-woong said.

"We hope that the full and swift implementation of the agreement will lead to the release of all hostages and improvement of the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip," Lee said

"We hope that the positive momentum created by the agreement will serve as a foundation for renewed discussions on diplomatic solutions for peace and stability in the region," he added.

Lee said that as a nonpermanent member of the U.N. Security Council, Korea will continue to take part in international efforts to restore and promote peace in the Middle East. (Yonhap)