United nations: United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire and hostage release agreement in Gaza, based on a proposal by former U.S. President Donald J. Trump, calling it a long-overdue breakthrough and a critical moment to end the suffering.

According to National News Agency – Lebanon, in a statement released today, Guterres commended the diplomatic efforts of the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Trkiye in brokering the deal and urged all parties to fully abide by its terms. ‘All hostages must be released in a dignified manner. A permanent ceasefire must be secured. The fighting must stop once and for all,’ he stressed.

The Secretary-General emphasized the urgent need for immediate and unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza, stating: ‘The suffering must end.’

He affirmed the United Nations’ readiness to support full implementation of the agreement, including the scale-up of humanitarian operations and the advancement of long-term recovery and reconstruction e
fforts in Gaza.

Looking beyond the ceasefire, Guterres urged all stakeholders to seize this ‘momentous opportunity’ to chart a credible political path forward, one that ends the occupation and realizes the Palestinian right to self-determination. He reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to a two-state solution: ‘The only path to a just, stable, and lasting peace in the Middle East is through the implementation of a two-State solution, with an independent and viable State of Palestine living side by side with Israel in peace and security within the 1967 borders.’

‘The stakes have never been higher,’ he concluded.