Johannesburg – United States President Donald Trump has announced on social media that Israel and Hamas have “both signed off” on the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire.
The first phase will lead to “ending the war, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and the entry of aid,” according to Qatar’s Foreign Ministry.
Hamas has reportedly also signed off on the first phase of the deal.
Commenting on the announcement on LinkedIn, António Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations, said: “I welcome the announcement of an agreement to secure a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza, based on the proposal put forward by President Trump.
“I commend the diplomatic efforts of the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye in brokering this desperately needed breakthrough.
“I urge all concerned to abide fully by the terms of the agreement. All hostages must be released in a dignified manner.”
Guterres said a permanent ceasefire must be secured.
“The fighting must stop once and for all,” said the UN Secretary General.
“Immediate and unimpeded entry of humanitarian supplies and essential commercial materials into Gaza must be ensured.
“The suffering must end.”
Guterres said the United Nations will support the full implementation of the agreement and will scale up the delivery of sustained and principled humanitarian relief, and we will advance recovery and reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
“I urge all stakeholders to seize this momentous opportunity to establish a credible political path forward towards ending the occupation, recognising the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people, and achieving a two-state solution that enables Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security,” said Guterres.
“The stakes have never been higher.”
