Source: United Nations (video statements)
Informal comments to the media by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, on Gaza ceasefire deal.
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Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the announcement last night (08 Oct) of an agreement to secure a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza, calling it “a desperately needed breakthrough.”
Speaking to reporters today (09 Oct) in New York, Guterres commended the diplomatic efforts of the United States, Qatar, Egypt and Türkiye in “brokering this desperately needed breakthrough.”
“We have all waited far too long for this moment. Now we must make it truly count,” the UN chief said, urging all parties to “fully abide by the terms of the agreement – and to fully embrace the opportunities it presents.”
He continued, “All hostages must be released in a dignified manner. A permanent ceasefire must be secured. The bloodshed must stop once and for all.”
Guterres reiterated that the United Nations will provide its “full support.”
He said, “We and our partners are prepared to move – now. We have the expertise, the distribution networks, and community relationships in place to act. Supplies are in place, and our teams are on standby. We can scale up food, water, medical and shelter assistance at once.”
“But to turn this ceasefire into real progress, we need more than the silencing of the guns,” the Secretary-General said, emphasizing the need for “full, safe and sustained access for humanitarian workers; the removal of red tape and impediments; and the rebuilding of shattered infrastructure.”
“And we need Member States to ensure that humanitarian operations are properly funded to meet the immense needs,” he added.
Guterres stressed, “We must never forget the unbearable human cost of this conflict,” mourning all of the lives lost, including United Nations personnel and humanitarian workers, he paid tribute to colleagues who continue to “serve with courage and compassion in conditions of extreme risk.”
The UN chief highlighted, “For Israelis and Palestinians alike, this deal offers a glimmer of relief. That glimmer must become the dawn of peace; the beginning of the end of this devastating war.”
Guterres urged all to “seize this momentous opportunity to establish a credible political path forward. A path towards ending the occupation, recognizing the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people, and achieving a two-state solution. A path to a just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians – and to wider peace security in the Middle East.”
“This breakthrough shows us the power and potential of diplomacy,” the Secretary-General reiterated, adding “let it be a reminder that the solutions to conflicts are not found on the battlefield. They must be forged at the negotiating table. And then, crucially, they must be fully implemented. The world is watching.”