UN Secretary-General says humanitarian pause in Gaza is not a solution

(Patria) - A humanitarian pause in the zone of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is not a solution, and the United Nations continues to insist on a ceasefire and the immediate release of all hostages, said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, reported the Tass agency.

"The truce was a step in the right direction, it was a symbol of hope, but it does not solve the key problems we face. That is why we insist on the need for a humanitarian ceasefire, leading to the unconditional and urgent release of all hostages and the possibility of providing effective humanitarian assistance to all people in Gaza wherever they live," said the UN chief at a joint press conference with Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission.

Hamas announced on November 22 that, with the mediation of Qatar and Egypt, an agreement was reached on a four-day humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The agreement provides for the release of 50 women and children under the age of 19 held in Gaza in exchange for the release of 150 women and children under the age of 19 from Israeli prisons.

The ceasefire came into effect in the Gaza Strip on November 24 at 8:00 a.m. local time, and on the same day the first group of hostages was released. Israel and Hamas, through mediators, reached an agreement to extend the truce in Gaza from 7:00 a.m. local time on November 28 for an additional two days.