UN chief calls for major aid boost to ease ‘immense’ Palestinian suffering

In the wake of the newly announced ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the urgent need to address the “immense suffering” of civilians in the territory.

Speaking on Wednesday, Guterres called for a “major increase” in the delivery of lifesaving humanitarian aid to alleviate the catastrophic conditions faced by countless Palestinians. He stressed that the ceasefire must remove the barriers impeding aid distribution and enable a surge in relief efforts across the devastated enclave.

Negotiated over weeks in Doha, the ceasefire agreement, set to take effect on Sunday, involves the phased release of hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody. It also aims to facilitate the return of displaced individuals to their homes and accelerate the entry of critical humanitarian supplies into Gaza.

Guterres praised the mediators, particularly Qatar, for their commitment to brokering the deal, which he described as a “critical first step” toward broader peace and stability. He underscored the necessity of maintaining the unity and integrity of the Occupied Palestinian Territories, advocating for Palestinian governance cohesion as a cornerstone of lasting peace.

The secretary-general reiterated the importance of resuming efforts toward a two-state solution, aligning with international law and UN resolutions. He urged stakeholders to seize this opportunity to create a credible political pathway for Palestinians and Israelis to coexist peacefully and securely.

Paying tribute to the civilians, including UN staff and aid workers, who lost their lives during the conflict, Guterres reaffirmed the United Nations‘ commitment to supporting peace, stability, and a hopeful future for the region.

This ceasefire represents a pivotal moment, offering a glimmer of hope amidst one of the most challenging periods in the region’s history.