WELLINGTON, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand welcomes the ceasefire deal to end hostilities in Gaza, stressing protection of civilians and the release of hostages "must be at the forefront of effort," Foreign Minister Winston Peters said on Thursday.

"Over the past 15 months, this conflict has caused incomprehensible human suffering," Peters said in a statement.

"The terms of the deal must now be implemented fully. Protection of civilians and the release of hostages must be at the forefront of effort," he said, adding there now should be a massive, rapid, unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Calling on the parties to take meaningful steps towards a two-state solution to achieve a durable and lasting peace, Peters said political will is the key to ensuring history does not repeat itself.

Israel and Hamas have agreed to a Gaza ceasefire-for-hostages deal following intensive mediation by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani announced on Wednesday. Enditem

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