Iran has said it welcomes the agreement between Israel and Hamas on implementing the first face of a U.S.-backed peace plan, but stressed that Palestine must decides its own fate.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday on Truth Social that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first phase of the peace plan designed to end the Gaza conflict and secure the release of hostages.
At a press conference on Thursday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei emphasized that Tehran welcomes efforts to end the war in Gaza and provide humanitarian aid, yet expressed skepticism regarding the proposal.
"We welcome any initiative that leads to stopping the genocide in Gaza and providing assistance to the oppressed people of occupied Palestine. We support any plan that recognizes the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and ends the occupation and crimes by the Zionist regime," said Baghaei.
The spokesman also cautioned against repeating the mistakes of past peace initiatives, which he claimed undermined the rights of Palestinians.
"We have serious concerns about this plan and its consequences. Decisions about Palestine's fate must be made by the Palestinian people themselves, free from external pressure or interference," said Baghaei.
The peace plan outlines a ceasefire-for-hostages deal, a phased Israeli withdrawal, a demilitarized Gaza, and international oversight of Gaza's reconstruction and governance after the end of the conflict. Hamas will be excluded from the governance structure.
Iran welcomes Gaza peace plan but stresses Palestine must decide own fate
Iran welcomes Gaza peace plan but stresses Palestine must decide own fate
Director of the 2025 China Media Group (CMG) Spring Festival Gala Yu Lei took part in the torch relay for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in Rome on Saturday.
The relay began at the Stadio dei Marmi on Saturday morning, marking the start of a two-month journey ahead of next year's opening ceremony.
"In 2022, I was very fortunate to be part of the core creative team for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Beijing Winter Olympics. The experience, especially witnessing the Milan-Cortina eight-minute presentation at the closing ceremony, is still vivid in my memory. It was broadcast worldwide through CMG. Being here in Rome today for the torch relay, I hope the Olympic spirit and the brilliance of the Winter Olympics will continue from Beijing to Milan," Yu said.
The opening leg of the torch relay began at Rome's Stadio dei Marmi and stretched about 30 kilometers, passing several historic landmarks.
Locals lined the streets to witness the event, proudly celebrating Rome's role in carrying forward the Olympic flame.
"I like it (the torch relay). Rome is an international metropolis that can host all these types of events," said Antonio, an Italian spectator.
The torch will traverse 12,000 kilometers over 60 days across Italy, passing through more than 300 municipalities, featuring celebrations in 60 cities, reaching all 110 Italian provinces, and lighting up UNESCO sites along the route.
More than 10,000 torchbearers from all walks of life will take part in the journey, including figures from the worlds of sports, culture, film, and civil society.
The relay will conclude on February 6 at Milan's San Siro Stadium.
CMG Spring Festival Gala director takes part in Winter Olympics torch relay in Rome
