United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called on all parties to fully comply with the recently reached ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The truce marks the first phase of a U.S.-backed peace plan aimed at ending the two-year war in Gaza.
In a message shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, Guterres emphasized the need for both sides to uphold their commitments under the deal. “All hostages must be released in a dignified manner. A permanent ceasefire must be secured,” he said, adding that humanitarian aid must be allowed unrestricted access to the enclave. “The suffering must end,” he urged.
The UN chief commended the diplomatic efforts of the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, whose mediation led to the agreement during talks in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh. He assured that the United Nations would support the full implementation of the deal, expand the delivery of humanitarian assistance, and contribute to reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
Guterres also used the moment to renew calls for a lasting political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He urged both parties to take advantage of this breakthrough to advance the long-proposed two-state solution, one that envisions Israel and an independent Palestinian state coexisting peacefully. “The stakes have never been higher,” he said.
The Secretary-General’s appeal comes as international leaders cautiously welcome the ceasefire. While many view the agreement as a significant step toward peace, concerns remain about its fragility. Previous attempts at a truce have collapsed due to mutual mistrust and continued hostilities.
Both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas have so far resisted the idea of a two-state solution, with key disagreements still unresolved, including the issue of disarmament and long-term governance of Gaza. Despite the announcement of a ceasefire, reports indicate that limited Israeli strikes continued on Thursday, highlighting the delicate nature of the truce.
Humanitarian agencies have also warned that Gaza remains on the brink of collapse after months of intense fighting. They stress that ensuring safe passage for aid, rebuilding essential infrastructure, and maintaining the ceasefire are critical for long-term stability.
As the international community rallies around the deal, Guterres reiterated the UN’s readiness to assist in peacekeeping, aid delivery, and political dialogue. “This is a moment for courage and compromise,” he said. “Peace cannot wait any longer.”