UN Secretary-General Welcomes Ceasefire and Hostage Release Agreement in Gaza

TDT | Manama

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The United Nations Secretary-General has welcomed the announcement of a landmark deal to secure a ceasefire and facilitate the release of hostages in Gaza, marking a pivotal step toward easing the ongoing crisis in the region.

In a statement, the Secretary-General commended the tireless efforts of Egypt, Qatar, and the United States in mediating the agreement. "Their unwavering commitment to diplomacy has been critical in achieving this breakthrough," he stated, urging all parties involved to honor their commitments and ensure the deal's full implementation.

Since the onset of the violence, the Secretary-General has consistently called for an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of hostages. He emphasized that the priority now is to alleviate the immense suffering caused by the conflict.

The United Nations stands ready to support the implementation of this agreement and to scale up the delivery of sustained humanitarian relief to the countless Palestinians in need. "The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels," he warned, highlighting the need to overcome significant security and political barriers to ensure aid can be delivered effectively.

Calling for the rapid, unhindered, and safe delivery of humanitarian assistance, the Secretary-General reiterated the UN's commitment to doing "whatever is humanly possible" to support civilians. He urged other humanitarian actors, the private sector, and bilateral initiatives to join in these efforts.

While recognizing this deal as a critical first step, the Secretary-General stressed the importance of addressing broader goals, including the unity, contiguity, and integrity of the Occupied Palestinian Territory. He underscored the necessity of Palestinian unity as a foundation for lasting peace and stability, emphasizing that unified governance must remain a top priority.

"This is an opportunity to establish a credible political path toward a better future for Palestinians, Israelis, and the broader region," he said. The Secretary-General reiterated the need to end the occupation and achieve a negotiated two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine coexisting peacefully and securely, in accordance with international law, UN resolutions, and prior agreements.

In closing, the Secretary-General paid tribute to the civilians who have lost their lives, including UN personnel and humanitarian workers, and reaffirmed the United Nations' steadfast commitment to promoting peace, stability, and a hopeful future for all in the region.