Urgent in Gaza: Will the temporary ceasefire be extended?

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, “The dialogue that led to the agreement must continue and lead to a full humanitarian ceasefire for the benefit of the people of Gaza, Israel and the region as a whole.”

As the humanitarian truce in Gaza enters its final day, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for a “full humanitarian ceasefire” in the Gaza Strip. “Over the past four days, the guns have fallen silent. We have witnessed the release of Israeli and foreign hostages held by Hamas and others since October 7, and the release of Palestinian detainees from Israeli prisons,” Guterres said in his written statement.

“The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is getting worse by the day.”

In appreciation of the State of Qatar, Egypt and the United States for their role in the prisoner exchange agreement, Guterres said: “The United Nations will continue to support these efforts in every possible way. During those four days, the United Nations increased humanitarian access to Gaza and sent aid to some northern areas that had been It has been largely isolated for weeks. However, this aid is insufficient to meet the huge needs of 1.7 million displaced people. He added, “The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is worsening by the day.”

Guterres called for a complete ceasefire on humanitarian grounds, and said: “The dialogue that led to the agreement must continue and lead to a complete humanitarian ceasefire for the benefit of the people of Gaza, Israel and the region more broadly.” Guterres once again called for the immediate and unconditional release of prisoners, and called on all countries to use their influence to end the conflict and support steps towards a two-state solution, which is the only sustainable future for the region.