Amman: United Nations Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres is closely monitoring developments in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories as the first phase of a ceasefire and hostage release agreement comes to an end, the UN said on Saturday.
According to Jordan News Agency, in a statement issued on his behalf, Guterres noted that the past six weeks had provided a fragile yet vital reprieve, offering relief to both Palestinians and Israelis while allowing thousands of humanitarian aid trucks to enter Gaza.
He stressed the need for uninterrupted and adequately funded humanitarian assistance in an environment that ensures the safety of civilians and humanitarian workers. He also called for an immediate halt to the escalating tensions in the occupied West Bank.
As the holy month of Ramadan begins, a time of peace and reflection, the UN chief urged all parties to make every effort to end the violence, reiterating the UN's readiness to support such initiatives.