‘Imperative’ Gaza ceasefire removes aid obstacles, UN chief says

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says it is “imperative” that the newly struck Gaza ceasefire removes obstacles to aid deliveries as he welcomes the deal that includes a prisoner and hostage exchange.

Guterres also calls for the “integrity” of Palestinian territory to be respected and for a push to ensure “unified” Palestinian leadership capable of securing peace.

“It is imperative that this ceasefire removes the significant security and political obstacles to delivering aid across Gaza so that we can support a major increase in urgent life-saving humanitarian support,” he says.

Guterres has led calls for a ceasefire in the deadly conflict and has advocated for an unhindered flow of aid to the war-torn territory, including that delivered by UN agencies.