UN chief pushes for Gaza truce to become full humanitarian cease-fire
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres pushed on Monday for a full humanitarian cease-fire between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas instead of a temporary truce, as the "humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is getting worse by the day."
Egyptian, Qatari and U.S. negotiators closed in on an extension of a four-day truce in Gaza that expires on Monday, Egyptian security sources said, amid growing global pressure to roll over a deal which has paused seven weeks of fighting.
"The dialog that led to the agreement must continue, resulting in a full humanitarian cease-fire, for the benefit of the people of Gaza, Israel and the wider region," Guterres' spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.
"The United Nations will continue to support these efforts in every possible way," he said.
Guterres again called for the hostages held by Hamas to be released immediately and unconditionally, Dujarric said.
The United Nations has scaled up the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza over the past four days during the truce and sent aid to some northern areas of the coastal enclave that had been largely cut off for weeks, Dujarric said.
"But this aid barely registers against the huge needs of 1.7 million displaced people. The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is getting worse by the day," he said.
Source: reuters.com
Trending News
UE/R: Military officer dead, five critically injured in road accident near Binduri
11:07UTAG leadership dismisses ultimatum from 'silent majority,' stands firm on galamsey strike
23:22Bawumia has unfettered access to my office – Akufo-Addo touts good rapport with his Veep
12:02Two journalists expose pump tempering at Atimpoku GOIL
12:18Bawumia’s gov’t will not impose 'smoke tax' on farmers – NEIP CEO debunks NDC’s claims
11:29Speaker to decide fate of four MPs today
09:48UG students with special needs demand immediate release of delayed bursaries, threaten demo
22:43Dec. 7 polls: EC begins online re-exhibition of voter roll today
07:23Mamobi: Police restore calm after NPP, NDC clash
07:59NDC’ll resist discrimination against Ghanaians living in Togo during Dec. 7 polls – Asiedu Nketia
08:56