Guterres indicates UN readiness to support implementation of Gaza deal

The UN supports the ceasefire deal in the Gaza Strip and is ready to assist in its implementation. This was stated by UN Secretary General António Guterres on January 15.

"The UN is ready to support the implementation of the deal and to step up the delivery of humanitarian aid," the statement said.

Guterres also emphasized that the UN is "unwavering in its commitment" to peace and stability in the region, and will do everything to ensure that civilians are supported. The secretary-general emphasized that in the long term, the "unity and integrity" of Palestine must be secured and preserved.

"I urge the parties and partners to seize this opportunity to pave a credible political path to a better future for Palestinians, Israelis and the region as a whole. <...> Only through a viable two-state solution can the dreams of both peoples be realized," he concluded.

The Gaza cease-fire agreement between Palestinian Hamas and Israel became known earlier in the day. The first phase, which will last 42 days, will include the release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al-Thani said Qatar and Egypt had brokered the deal.

At the same time, the Israeli military press office reported that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) was preparing to receive hostages whose release in the Gaza Strip is expected as part of the agreement with Hamas.

The situation in the Middle East escalated on the morning of October 7, 2023, when the Palestinian radical movement Hamas subjected Israeli territory to a massive rocket attack from the Gaza Strip. On the same day, Israel began retaliatory strikes.