Secretary-General Welcomes Ceasefire in Israel and Gaza, Commending Egypt’s Facilitating Role

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General welcomes last night’s ceasefire agreement in Israel and Gaza.

The Secretary-General extends his deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the violence.  The hostilities have led to needless human suffering.

The Secretary-General commends Egypt’s key role in bringing the hostilities to an end, alongside the efforts of Qatar, Lebanon and the United States to reach a ceasefire.  He calls on all sides to observe the ceasefire.

The Secretary-General reaffirms the United Nations’ commitment to the achievement of the two-State solution based on relevant United Nations resolutions, international law, prior agreements and the importance of restoring a political horizon.  He reiterates that only a negotiated sustainable political solution will lead to lasting peace and end, once and for all, these devastating cycles of violence.