UN Chief Hails Gaza Ceasefire as Step Toward Palestinian Statehood
Attacks spanning Gaza’s north, central, and south wound dozens, raising questions about the durability of the ceasefire.
October 10, 2025
The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has welcomed a landmark ceasefire agreement in Gaza, calling it a significant step toward Palestinian self-determination and the long-sought two-state solution.
Speaking at the UN, Guterres urged all parties to seize the opportunity to end the occupation and commit to credible political progress.
The agreement, facilitated by the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, comes after a devastating two-year conflict ignited by Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023, which killed over 1,200 people and resulted in the taking of 251 hostages, 48 of whom remain unaccounted for. Israel’s military response has left more than 67,000 people dead in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to local health authorities.
Guterres emphasized the urgent need for full humanitarian access to Gaza, a region facing a severe crisis. UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher announced plans to deliver food, medical supplies, and cash assistance to affected families, aiming to reach over two million people in the first 60 days of the ceasefire. Special attention will be given to nutritional support for 500,000 residents and improving shelter conditions ahead of the winter season.
The ceasefire is expected to allow hundreds of trucks carrying aid into Gaza, facilitate the release of hostages, and enable a partial withdrawal of Israeli troops. Hamas’ exiled Gaza chief, Khalil Al-Hayya, confirmed that the group received guarantees from the United States, Arab mediators, and Turkey, ensuring that the war has permanently ended. Under the deal, Israel will release Palestinian prisoners, including women, children, and long-term detainees, in exchange for the remaining Israeli hostages.
The international response has been cautiously optimistic. Russia expressed support for the ceasefire, while French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the Paris conference on Gaza aims to complement the U.S.-led initiative, including discussions on peacekeeping and reconstruction efforts.
The Palestinian Authority (PA) is expected to play a major role in post-war governance, although it remains sidelined in the initial U.S. plan. Palestinian officials are relying on Arab support to secure influence in Gaza, and President Mahmoud Abbas has reaffirmed commitments to reforms, anti-corruption measures, and elections, signaling readiness to assume control once international arrangements are implemented.
“This ceasefire marks a historic opportunity to move from conflict to lasting peace,” Guterres said. “The international community must now ensure humanitarian access, reconstruction, and political solutions to finally deliver justice and dignity to the people of Palestine.”
The coming weeks will test the durability of the agreement, but the ceasefire represents the first tangible step in ending one of the deadliest conflicts in recent Middle East history and rekindling hopes for Palestinian statehood.
