United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the announcement of an agreement to secure a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages held there.

In a statement, Guterres said: “I welcome the announcement of an agreement to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza, based on the proposal put forward by President Donald Trump. I commend the diplomatic efforts made by the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey in mediating this much-needed achievement.”

He added: “I urge all parties involved to fully comply with the terms of the agreement. All hostages must be released humanely. A permanent ceasefire must be ensured. Fighting must end definitively. Humanitarian supplies and essential commercial goods must enter Gaza immediately and without obstacles. Suffering must end.”

He continued: “The United Nations will support the full implementation of the agreement, expand sustainable and principled humanitarian relief efforts, and enhance recovery and reconstruction efforts in Gaza.”

He said: “I urge all parties to seize this historic opportunity to establish a credible political path towards ending the occupation, recognizing the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, and achieving a two-state solution that enables Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security. The risks have never been this grave.”