UN Secretary-General António Guterres has welcomed the newly announced ceasefire in Gaza, calling it a “vital step towards ending unbearable suffering” after two years of genocidal war. The agreement, reportedly backed by several international mediators, is expected to include the release of Palestinian prisoners and allow the long-awaited flow of humanitarian aid into the devastated Strip.

While Guterres expressed cautious optimism, he stressed that this moment must mark not just a pause in violence but the beginning of a lasting peace. He urged all sides to honour their commitments and emphasised that “the guns must fall silent — not for days, but for good.” His remarks reflected growing international pressure for a permanent cessation of the bloodshed that has destroyed much of Gaza’s infrastructure and left its population facing starvation, displacement, and disease.

The UN Chief reaffirmed that the organisation stands ready to assist in implementing the deal, rebuilding Gaza, and supporting a genuine political process that could finally address the root causes of the crisis. He warned that without justice, reconstruction would be hollow, and peace would remain out of reach.