UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said it is “urgent” that the recent ceasefire in Gaza removes obstacles to aid delivery. Guterres also called for pressure to be applied to respect the “integrity” of Palestinian territory and ensure a “unified” Palestinian leadership capable of maintaining peace.
“It is essential that this ceasefire removes significant security and political obstacles to aid delivery across Gaza. This will allow for a massive increase in immediate life-saving humanitarian assistance,” he said. Guterres has led calls for a ceasefire in the deadly conflict, drawing the attention of the global community to the unhindered flow of aid to war-torn areas, including assistance distributed by UN agencies.
The UN humanitarian chief has said the ceasefire offers a “moment of hope and opportunity”. “We should be under no illusions about how difficult it will still be for survivors to get help. It could not be more difficult,” humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said in a statement.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called the agreement “long overdue.” “The war has taken a terrible toll on Gaza’s children, with at least 14,500 children killed, thousands injured, an estimated 17,000 separated from their parents, and nearly one million displaced,” UNICEF said in a statement.
Guterres called the new agreement an “important first step” in a conversation with reporters. “We must mobilize all efforts to achieve the broad goal of preserving the unity, continuity, and integrity of the occupied Palestinian territories,” he said.
He said, “I emphasize that Palestinian unity is essential to achieving lasting peace and stability, and that a unified Palestinian state must remain a top priority.” Guterres called on all parties to the conflict to seize the opportunity to secure a better future for Palestinians, Israelis and the wider region, end the occupation and achieve a two-state solution through negotiations.
The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday welcomed a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, saying health needs in Gaza remained widespread. “Peace is the best medicine,” he said.
“The agreement on the Gaza ceasefire and the release of hostages is welcome and encouraging. All parties will respect the agreement and work towards a lasting peace,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a message released on Twitter.
