Image Source: BBC
World – UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire and hostage release agreement in Gaza, calling it a crucial move to ease the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
He credited Egypt, Qatar, and the United States for their determined efforts in brokering the deal, applauding their dedication to diplomacy.
Guterres urged all parties to honour their commitments, stressing the importance of fully implementing the agreement. He also reiterated the UN’s commitment to helping carry out its terms and supporting those affected by the conflict.
“The United Nations stands ready to support the implementation of this deal and scale up the delivery of sustained humanitarian relief to the countless Palestinians who continue to suffer,” Guterres said.
“It is imperative that this ceasefire removes the significant security and political obstacles to delivering aid across Gaza so that we can support a major increase in urgent lifesaving humanitarian support.”
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Guterres reaffirmed the UN’s determination to do its part and called other humanitarian actors to join the effort.
He emphasized that this agreement must pave the way for broader progress, including a unified Palestinian governance and a negotiated two-state solution, which he described as the only path to lasting peace.
“I urge the parties and all relevant partners to seize this opportunity to establish a credible political path to a better future for Palestinians, Israelis, and the broader region,” he said.
“Ending the occupation and achieving a negotiated two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security, in line with international law, relevant UN resolutions, and previous agreements remain an urgent priority. Only through a viable two-state solution can the aspirations of both peoples be fulfilled.”
Guterres paid tribute to the lives lost in the conflict, including UN staff and humanitarian workers, and pledged the UN’s unwavering commitment to fostering peace and stability in the region.
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Key Details of the Ceasefire Deal
According to Reuters, while mediators Israel and Hamas have yet to formally announce the ceasefire agreement, a source with knowledge of the deal has outlined its provisions.
The agreement begins with a six-week ceasefire. During this time, Israeli forces will gradually withdraw from central Gaza, allowing displaced Palestinians to return to the north.
A significant focus will be on humanitarian aid, with 600 truckloads of supplies entering Gaza daily. Of these, 50 trucks will carry fuel, and 300 will be allocated to northern Gaza.
Hamas has agreed to release 33 Israeli hostages over the six weeks. This group includes all women (soldiers and civilians), children, and men over 50.
Female hostages and minors will be released first, followed by older men. All living hostages will be freed before the remains of deceased hostages are returned.
In exchange, Israel will release Palestinian detainees at a rate of 30 for each civilian hostage and 50 for every Israeli female soldier released.
By the end of this phase, all Palestinian women and minors detained since October 7, 2023, will also be freed. The total number of Palestinian detainees released could range between 990 and 1,650.
The agreement outlines further phases. By the 16th day of the ceasefire, negotiations will begin on the second phase, which is expected to address the release of remaining hostages, a permanent ceasefire, and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces.
The third phase will focus on the return of all deceased individuals and the start of Gaza’s reconstruction, overseen by Egypt, Qatar, and the United Nations. Qatar, Egypt, and the United States will guarantee the implementation of the entire agreement.
