Guterres Emphasizes the Importance of Fully Implementing the Gaza Agreement

SadaNews - United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the necessity of ensuring the implementation of all terms of the first phase of the Gaza Agreement, stressing the importance of full commitment to what has been agreed upon.

Guterres stated at a press conference that it is essential to move to the second phase of the agreement, which contributes to stabilizing the ceasefire and improving humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip.

The Secretary-General also stressed the need for the complete implementation of the ceasefire, affirming that any violations would undermine international efforts aimed at ending the escalation.

He reported that Israeli forces remain deployed in half of the Gaza Strip.

He also affirmed that Israel is obligated to respect United Nations personnel and ensure their safety, in accordance with international law and UN charters.

Meeting in Miami... and Hamas is Optimistic

These statements come as the United States hosts discussions regarding the Gaza issue in Florida today, where special envoy to President Donald Trump, Steve Witkoff, is expected to meet with senior officials from mediation countries Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey to advance the second phase of the ceasefire agreement.

Participating in the meeting will be Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aty. The aim of the meeting is to agree on practical steps to pressure Israel and Hamas to fulfill their obligations outlined in the agreement.

A Hamas leader stated that the discussions planned in Miami should lead to an end to Israel's "violations" of the truce.

Since the ceasefire came into effect, Israeli forces continue to control the eastern half of the Gaza Strip, which is devoid of population, while Hamas has regained control over the western half, where most of the population of more than two million lives, amidst extensive ruins left by military operations.

Meanwhile, the warring parties have not yet agreed on the next steps. Israel requires Hamas to disarm, and seeks to prevent it from having any future administrative role in Gaza.

In contrast, Hamas affirms that it will not relinquish its weapons and demands the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territory.