New york: The UN Secretary-General has welcomed the announcement from US President Donald Trump that Israel and Hamas have ‘signed off’ on the first phase of his 20-point peace plan, following days of intensive indirect negotiations in Egypt. In a statement, UN chief Ant³nio Guterres said, ‘I welcome the announcement of an agreement to secure a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza, based on the proposal put forward by President Donald J. Trump.’
According to Emirates News Agency, Guterres commended the diplomatic efforts of the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Trkiye in brokering this breakthrough. The Secretary-General urged ‘all concerned to abide fully by the terms of the agreement,’ which includes the release of hostages who have been held for over two years in Gaza ‘in a dignified manner.’
Guterres insisted on the necessity of a permanent ceasefire. The United Nations is tasked under the US plan, along with the Red Crescent, with overseeing the entry and distribution of humanitarian aid. ‘The fighting must stop once and for all,’ the UN chief continued. ‘Immediate and unimpeded entry of humanitarian supplies and essential commercial materials into Gaza must be ensured. The suffering must end.’
He stated the organisation’s full support for implementing the phased agreement and advancing recovery and reconstruction efforts in the Gaza Strip. Guterres urged all stakeholders to seize this opportunity to establish a credible political path towards ending the occupation, recognising the Palestinians’ right to self-determination, and achieving a Two-State solution that enables Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security.