UN Secretary General Guterres: ‘Imperative’ Gaza ceasefire removes aid obstacles

Kathmandu: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said “imperative” the newly struck Gaza ceasefire removes obstacles to aid deliveries as he welcomed the deal that includes a prisoner and hostage exchange.

Guterres also called for the “integrity” of Palestinian territory to be respected and for a push to ensure a “unified” Palestinian leadership capable of securing peace. This ceasefire must remove the significant security and political obstacles to delivering aid across Gaza so that we can support a major increase in urgent life-saving humanitarian support,’ said Guterres.

Guterres has led calls for a ceasefire in the deadly conflict and has advocated for an unhindered flow of aid to the war-torn territory, including that delivered by UN agencies. The UN humanitarian chief said the ceasefire offered a moment of hope and opportunity.

‘But we should be under no illusions how tough it will still be to get support to survivors. The stakes could not be higher’ said Tom Fletcher said in a statement.

The UN children’s agency UNICEF called the deal “long overdue. ‘The war has exacted a horrific toll on Gaza’s children reportedly leaving at least 14,500 dead, thousands more injured, an estimated 17,000 unaccompanied or separated from their parents, and nearly one million displaced from their homes’ UNICEF said in a statement.

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