United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated on Wednesday that he welcomes the announcement of an agreement to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza. He urges all parties to fully adhere to the terms of the agreement.

Guterres emphasized that all hostages should be released in a dignified manner, a lasting ceasefire must be achieved, fighting must cease once and for all, and there must be immediate, unrestricted access for humanitarian supplies and essential commercial materials into Gaza. "The suffering must end."

He said the United Nations will fully support the implementation of the phased agreement, as well as advancing recovery and reconstruction efforts in the devastated Gaza Strip. 

"I urge all stakeholders to seize this momentous opportunity to establish a credible political path forward towards ending the occupation, recognizing the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people, and achieving a two-State solution that enables Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security," he said.

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