Guterres Calls for a Full Humanitarian Ceasefire in Gaza Instead of a Temporary Ceasefire

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called today for a full humanitarian ceasefire between Israel and Hamas instead of a temporary halt to hostilities, noting that "the humanitarian disaster in Gaza is worsening day by day." Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the Secretary-General, stated in a press release, "The dialogue that led to the agreement must continue and result in a full humanitarian ceasefire for the people of Gaza, Israel, and the broader region." He added, "The United Nations will continue to support these efforts in every possible way." Dujarric reiterated that Guterres urged Hamas to release hostages immediately and unconditionally. He mentioned that the UN had ramped up the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza over the past four days during the ceasefire and that aid had been sent to some northern areas of the coastal enclave, where large parts had remained isolated for weeks. He further stated, "But this aid barely meets the enormous needs of approximately 1.7 million displaced people. The humanitarian disaster in Gaza is worsening day by day."