UN Chief Welcomes Continued Gaza Ceasefire and Hostage Release
February 16, 2025
Jerusalem, Palestine – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has welcomed the continued ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian armed groups in the Gaza Strip, as well as the release of a kidnapped Israeli soldier.
The ceasefire, which took effect on May 15, 2024, has largely held despite sporadic incidents of violence. The release of the soldier, Sergeant Oron Shaul, who had been held captive for over a year, was secured through negotiations mediated by Egypt.
In a statement issued on February 16, Guterres said he was “encouraged by the positive steps taken by both sides.” He urged them to “continue to work together to build on this momentum and to find a lasting solution to the conflict.”
Guterres also noted the progress made in the reconstruction of Gaza, which was heavily damaged during the last round of fighting. He called on the international community to “continue to support these efforts and to work to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.”
The ceasefire and hostage release have been welcomed by the international community as a positive step towards peace in the Middle East. However, analysts have cautioned that it remains to be seen whether these developments can lead to a more permanent resolution of the conflict.
Background
The conflict between Israel and the Palestinians has been ongoing for over 70 years. The latest round of fighting in Gaza began in May 2024, when Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups fired rockets into Israel in response to Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip. The fighting lasted for 11 days and resulted in the deaths of over 250 Palestinians and 13 Israelis.
The ceasefire was brokered by Egypt and has been largely successful in preventing further violence. However, there have been sporadic incidents of violence, including rocket fire from Gaza and Israeli airstrikes in response.
The release of Sergeant Shaul was secured through negotiations mediated by Egypt. Shaul was captured by Hamas in 2023 during a cross-border raid into Israel. His release was a significant gesture of goodwill by Hamas and is seen as a sign that the group is willing to engage in negotiations with Israel.
Analysis
The ceasefire and hostage release are seen as positive developments in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, analysts have cautioned that it remains to be seen whether these developments can lead to a more permanent resolution of the conflict.
One of the key challenges will be to address the underlying causes of the conflict, such as the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza, and the Palestinian refugees’ right of return. Another challenge will be to ensure that the ceasefire is sustainable and that there is no return to violence.
The international community can play an important role in supporting the peace process. The United States, in particular, has a key role to play as a mediator between Israel and the Palestinians. Other countries, such as Egypt and Jordan, can also play a role in facilitating negotiations and providing economic support to Gaza.
UN chief welcomes continued Gaza ceasefire and hostage release
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