UN welcomes ceasefire in Gaza

Date: 22nd January 2025
Category: Other human rights treaties and mechanisms

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has welcomed the start of a ceasefire in Gaza, which also saw the release of hostages and the arrival of urgently needed food aid. The ceasefire, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, marks a critical step in addressing the severe humanitarian crisis caused by the ongoing conflict. 

The conflict, which began on 7 October 2023 after Hamas’ attack on Israel, has left more than 46,000 Palestinians dead and caused widespread devastation in Gaza. The region’s two million residents are struggling with extreme shortages of food and other essentials. This first phase of the ceasefire offers a glimmer of hope for peace and the alleviation of suffering. 

In the first days of the new year Israeli airstrikes have killed around 80 people in Gaza, according to Save the Children. Earlier in the year, Alexandra Saieh, Global Head of Humanitarian Policy and Advocacy at Save the Children, called Gaza “the deadliest place on Earth” for children, describing the situation as a relentless cycle of war, displacement, and suffering. She highlighted how children, who make up nearly half of Gaza’s population, face the compounded impacts of conflict, starvation, and extreme weather. 

The ceasefire and the implementation of the first phase was hailed by the United Nations as a crucial step toward peace and toward alleviating the immense suffering endured by the Palestinian population. 

Guterres said: “It is imperative that this ceasefire removes the significant security and political obstacles to delivering aid.” 

• Click here to read more about the ceasefire from UN News. 

• Click here to read article by Save the Children UK.