The agreement to reach a ceasefire between and the release of hostages in Gaza was welcomed by the UN Secretary-General. Mr Guterres stressed the importance of fully implementing the agreement between Israel and Hamas and ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid to the population suffering in Gaza. The UN, he stressed, is ready to support the agreement and strengthen humanitarian aid. CORVERSE The Secretary-General called for the unity of the Palestinians and stressed the urgent need for a viable solution of two states, after negotiations, in order to achieve lasting peace. He also condemned civilians who died, including UN officials and humanitarian workers. The UN, Mr Guterres said, remains committed to promoting peace and stability in the region. Antonio Guterres’ entire statement: “I welcome the announcement of the agreement on a truce and the release of hostages in Gaza. I commend the ombudsmen — Egypt, Qatar, and the United States of America — for their tireless efforts to broker this agreement. Their constant commitment to seeking a diplomatic solution was crucial to achieving this important progress. I call on all parties involved to comply with their commitments and to ensure that this agreement is fully implemented. CORVERSE Since the beginning of violence, I have called for immediate truce and immediate and indisputable release of all hostages. Our priority must be to relieve the enormous suffering this conflict has caused. The United Nations is ready to support the implementation of this agreement and to increase the provision of continued humanitarian aid to the countless Palestinians who continue to suffer. It is imperative that this truce remove the important obstacles to aid to Gaza, so that we support a significant increase in emergency humanitarian support. The humanitarian situation is at devastating levels. I call on all parties to facilitate swift, uninterrupted and safe humanitarian aid for all the citizens in need. For our part, we will do everything humanly possible, fully aware of the serious challenges and constraints we will face. We expect our efforts to be supported by other humanitarian bodies, the private sector and bilateral initiatives. This agreement is a crucial first step, but we must mobilise all our forces to move forward to wider goals, such as maintaining the unity, continuity and integrity of the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The unity of the Palestinians is fundamental to achieving lasting peace and stability and I stress that united Palestinian governance must remain a top priority. I urge the parties and all relevant partners to take this opportunity to create a credible political path for a better future for Palestinians, Israelis and the wider region. The end of the occupation and the negotiation of a two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security, in accordance with international law, UN decisions and previous agreements, remains an urgent priority. Only through a viable solution can the ambitions of both peoples be fulfilled. I pay tribute to the citizens who died, including UN officials and humanitarian workers. The UN remains committed to supporting all efforts to promote peace, stability and a more promising future for the people of Palestine and Israel, and for the wider region.”
UN welcomes Israel and Hamas agreement on Gaza
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