United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called on Israel and Hamas to honor the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, warning that a resumption of hostilities would lead to an “immense tragedy.”
Speaking at the International Summit on Artificial Intelligence in Paris, Guterres stressed the urgency of preventing further violence and urged both sides to adhere to their commitments.
“We must avoid at all costs the resumption of hostilities in Gaza that would lead to immense tragedy. I appeal to Hamas to proceed with the planned liberation of hostages. Both sides must fully abide by their commitments in the ceasefire agreement and resume serious negotiations,” Guterres posted on X (formerly Twitter).
We must avoid at all costs resumption of hostilities in Gaza that would lead to immense tragedy.
I appeal to Hamas to proceed with the planned liberation of hostages.
Both sides must fully abide by their commitments in the ceasefire agreement & resume serious negotiations.
Guterres’ remarks come after Hamas accused Israel of failing to meet its obligations, jeopardizing both the truce and the prisoner exchange deal.
The Palestinian group claims that Israeli forces have continued their attacks, resulting in at least 30 casualties, and that Israel has delayed the return of displaced Gazans to their homes. In response, Hamas threatened to halt the next scheduled exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners on February 15 unless Israel complies with the agreed terms, including allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Renewed Calls for Negotiations in Doha
The first phase of the ceasefire, which began on January 19, was initially planned to last six weeks but now awaits renewal. Guterres has urged both parties to return to talks in Doha, where negotiations over the second phase of the agreement are expected to take place.
“We must keep pushing for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza & the release of all hostages without delay. We cannot go back to more death & destruction. A viable, sovereign Palestinian State living side-by-side in peace & security with Israel is the only sustainable solution.”
Trump’s Controversial Gaza Plan Draws Global Backlash
The ongoing ceasefire discussions have been further complicated by U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to take control of Gaza. The plan, which includes the expulsion of Palestinians, has been widely condemned internationally, with strong opposition from the Palestinian Authority, Arab nations, and global leaders.
