UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed a new ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza, marking a potential turning point for a region long marked by conflict and hardship. The agreement, based on a proposal from U.S. President Donald Trump, calls for an immediate halt to hostilities and a dignified release of all hostages.
“I urge all concerned to abide fully by the terms of the agreement,” Guterres said via X, stressing that “all hostages must be released in a dignified manner, a permanent ceasefire must be secured, and fighting must stop once & for all.” He also demanded that humanitarian supplies and essential commercial materials be allowed into Gaza without delay, underscoring the urgent need to alleviate the suffering of its nearly 2 million residents.
In practical terms, the UN plans to ramp up its efforts on three fronts: delivering sustained humanitarian relief, coordinating reconstruction initiatives, and supporting recovery programs. By scaling up aid operations, Guterres believes the international community can help rebuild Gaza’s basic infrastructure and restore hope among communities that have endured years of crisis.
Beyond immediate relief, Guterres described the ceasefire as “a momentous opportunity” to chart a credible political path forward. He urged stakeholders to tackle the root issues, including the occupation and the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people, to pave the way for a two-state solution in which Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace and security.
This development underscores the importance of global solidarity in humanitarian crises and the power of diplomacy to forge paths toward lasting peace. As the deal moves from words to action, the eyes of young global citizens, business innovators, and thought leaders alike will be on Gaza—waiting to see whether this fragile agreement can hold and set the stage for a more stable future.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
