NEW YORK: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip.
Guterres, via the X platform, praised the mediators Qatar, Egypt and the United States "for their dedicated efforts in mediating this deal," calling on everyone to fulfil their obligations and ensure that this agreement is fully implemented.
"Since the beginning of the violence, I have called for an immediate ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages," he continued, adding: "Our priority must be to alleviate the immense suffering caused by this conflict."
He also called for facilitating rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian relief operations for all civilians in need, adding: "For our part, we will do everything humanly possible."
He urged the parties and concerned partners to seize this opportunity to establish a political path "to achieve a better future for Palestinians, Israelis and the region as a whole,” stressing that ending the occupation, achieving a negotiated two-state solution and implementing relevant UN resolutions "remain an urgent priority.”