United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has called for an urgent agreement between Israel and Hamas to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza and the hostages and their families. Speaking at the UN Security Council, Guterres emphasized the need for a ceasefire and a hostage deal to prevent further escalation in Rafah.
Guterres expressed concern that the ongoing diplomatic efforts for peace in Gaza could be in vain if a ceasefire and the release of hostages are not achieved promptly. He urged both parties to spare no effort in reaching an agreement to halt the bloodshed.
On Monday, Hamas accepted a ceasefire proposal, but Israel rejected the terms, stating that they did not meet its demands. Consequently, Israel continued its military operations in Rafah despite Hamas' willingness to cease hostilities.
Guterres condemned Israel's military activities in Rafah and called for the reopening of the Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings to allow humanitarian aid to reach Gaza. He stressed the importance of immediate action to prevent further devastation in the region.
The Secretary General's plea for a ceasefire and a hostage deal underscores the pressing need to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and bring an end to the violence that has plagued the region. The international community awaits a swift resolution to the conflict to alleviate the suffering of civilians and restore peace in the area.
