Guterres Hails Gaza Ceasefire Deal as ‘Critical First Step’
- Date: 2025-01-15 12:00
- Source: Top Stories
Summary:
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has welcomed the ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas, ending an 11-day conflict in the Gaza Strip. The ceasefire took effect on May 15, 2025, at 2:00 AM local time.
Guterres praised the deal as a “critical first step” towards resolving the underlying issues that have caused decades of conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. He urged both sides to fully implement the ceasefire and to work towards a lasting peace settlement.
The ceasefire agreement was brokered by Egypt and the United States. The terms of the deal include a cessation of hostilities, the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, and the opening of humanitarian crossings into the territory.
The conflict in Gaza began on May 10, 2025, when Hamas launched a series of rocket attacks on Israel in response to Israeli police raids on the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem. Israel responded with airstrikes on Gaza, which killed hundreds of people and destroyed much of the territory’s infrastructure.
The ceasefire deal has been met with cautious optimism by both Israelis and Palestinians. However, there are concerns that the underlying causes of the conflict, such as the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and the blockade of Gaza, have not been addressed.
Key Points:
- The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas took effect on May 15, 2025.
- The deal was brokered by Egypt and the United States.
- The terms of the agreement include a cessation of hostilities, the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, and the opening of humanitarian crossings into the territory.
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres has welcomed the deal as a “critical first step” towards resolving the underlying issues that have caused decades of conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.
- There are concerns that the underlying causes of the conflict have not been addressed.
Analysis:
The ceasefire agreement is a welcome step towards ending the violence in Gaza, but it is only a temporary solution. The underlying issues that have caused decades of conflict between Israelis and Palestinians must be addressed in order to achieve a lasting peace settlement.
The ceasefire provides an opportunity for both sides to take stock and to reassess their goals. Israelis must recognize that the occupation of the West Bank is unsustainable and that it is only fueling the conflict. Palestinians must recognize that violence will not lead to a solution and that they must be willing to compromise.
The international community can play a role in helping to facilitate a lasting peace settlement. The United States, in particular, has a responsibility to use its influence to bring both sides together and to help them find a way to live together in peace.
Guterres hails Gaza ceasefire deal as ‘critical first step’
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