UN Chief Urges Israel, Hamas to Honour US-Brokered Peace Deal

A displaced family sit outside their tent in Gaza.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has welcomed the announcement by US President Donald Trump that Israel and Hamas have “signed off” on the first phase of his 20-point peace plan, following days of intensive indirect negotiations in Egypt.

President Trump announced on social media late on Wednesday that Hamas had agreed to release all hostages held in Gaza “very soon,” while Israel had consented to a phased withdrawal of its ground forces to “an agreed-upon line.”

Hamas has reportedly confirmed the deal, urging the international community to ensure Israel complies with its terms.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described it as a “great day for Israel,” adding that the government would meet on Thursday to approve the first phase — including an immediate ceasefire, according to reports.

“I welcome the announcement of an agreement to secure a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza, based on the proposal put forward by President Donald J. Trump,” said the UN chief in a statement.

Commending the mediators, Guterres praised the diplomatic efforts of the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye in brokering what he called a “desperately needed breakthrough.”

He urged “all concerned to abide fully by the terms of the agreement,” including the dignified release of hostages who have been held in Gaza for over two years.

The UN, along with the Red Crescent, has been tasked under the US plan to oversee the entry and distribution of humanitarian aid.

“The fighting must stop once and for all,” Guterres said. “Immediate and unimpeded entry of humanitarian supplies and essential commercial materials into Gaza must be ensured. The suffering must end.”

He reaffirmed that the United Nations would fully support the implementation of the phased agreement, as well as the recovery and reconstruction of the devastated Gaza Strip.

“I urge all stakeholders to seize this momentous opportunity to establish a credible political path forward towards ending the occupation, recognising the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people, and achieving a two-State solution that enables Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security,” the UN Secretary-General added.

“The stakes have never been higher.”