UN Secretary-General Hails Gaza Ceasefire Deal as Critical First Step Toward Peace

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed strong support for the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, praising the efforts of Qatar, Egypt, and the United States in facilitating the agreement.

Key Points from Guterres’ Statement:
1. **Commending Mediators**:
– Guterres acknowledged the tireless work of Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. in negotiating the ceasefire and hostage release deal.

2. **Call for Full Commitment**:
– He urged all parties involved to honor their commitments and ensure the full implementation of the agreement.

3. **Humanitarian Focus**:
– The UN Secretary-General stressed that the ceasefire should facilitate the delivery of much-needed aid to Gaza, which is facing a “catastrophic” humanitarian crisis.

4. **First Step Toward Peace**:
– Guterres described the deal as a “critical first step” toward a broader resolution of the conflict, emphasizing its importance in stabilizing the region.

The UN stands ready to provide any support needed to ensure the successful implementation of this deal, aiming to bring lasting peace and humanitarian relief to Gaza.