Secretary-General Welcomes New 72-Hour Humanitarian Ceasefire in Gaza,

Urging Both Sides to Work towards Durable Peace

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General welcomes today’s announcement by Egypt that the Israelis and the Palestinians have accepted another 72 hours' unconditional humanitarian ceasefire to commence at midnight local time.

He expresses his strong hope that this will give the two sides, under Egyptian auspices, another chance to agree on a durable ceasefire for the benefit of all civilian populations and as a starting point to address the underlying grievances on both sides.  He continues to urge all concerned to work constructively to this end and avoid any steps which would lead to a return to violence.

The United Nations stands ready to assist in the implementation of an agreement that would consolidate peace and allow for much-needed reconstruction and development of Gaza.

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For information media • not an official record