Reports from humanitarian organizations and news agencies

UN Chief Welcomes Gaza Ceasefire and Hostage Release Deal After 15 Months of War, Brokered by Egypt, Qatar, USA

Jan 15, 2025, 07:52 PM

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has welcomed a newly announced ceasefire and hostage release agreement in Gaza, brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, following 15 months of war. Guterres emphasized the importance of all parties upholding their commitments to ensure the full implementation of the deal. From the outset of the violence, he has called for an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages. He highlighted the urgent need to alleviate the suffering caused by the conflict, with the UN ready to support the deal's implementation and increase humanitarian aid to the region, which has a population of just over 2 million, with 1.9 million displaced. Guterres also stressed the necessity of removing security and political obstacles to aid delivery in Gaza, where the humanitarian situation is described as catastrophic, and more than 46,000 Palestinians have been killed. He called for Palestinian unity and a negotiated two-state solution as essential steps toward lasting peace and stability.