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Statement by UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process,

Tor Wennesland, on the implementation of 22 November agreement

Jerusalem, 24 November 2023

“I welcome today's start to the implementation of the agreement reached on Wednesday (22 November) which saw the release of 13 Israeli hostages abducted by Hamas and others on 7 October, and the release of 39 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli prisons. I also welcome the release of a number of foreign workers held in Gaza. I look forward to additional releases expected over the coming days.

Today’s humanitarian pause went into effect with relative calm allowing truckloads of aid to go into Gaza.

These developments are a significant humanitarian breakthrough that we need to build on.

More assistance and supplies must enter the Strip safely and continuously to alleviate the immense suffering of civilians.

I reiterate my call for the release of all hostages held by Hamas and others in Gaza.

I highly appreciate and commend the Governments of Qatar, Egypt, and the United States for their determined efforts to facilitate this agreement.

I call on all concerned parties to uphold their commitments and refrain from provocations or any actions that could impact the full implementation of this agreement.

I also urge the parties to exhaust every effort to achieve an extended humanitarian ceasefire and pursue a more peaceful future.”

[ENDs]

Statement by UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process,
Tor Wennesland, on the agreement to release hostages in Gaza

Jerusalem, 22 November 2023

“I welcome the announcements of a deal to secure the release of hostages abducted by Hamas and others during horrific attacks on 7 October.

I also welcome the announcement of a 4-day humanitarian pause in Gaza. This pause must be used to its fullest extent to facilitate the release of hostages and alleviate the dire needs of Palestinians in Gaza.

It is critical that we see safe access and a continuous flow of humanitarian aid to all those in need.

I appreciate the efforts of the Governments of Egypt, Qatar, and the United States for facilitating the agreement.

All parties must live up to their responsibilities to uphold this important agreement.

This is an important step, but more must be done and I will continue all efforts to bring the suffering to an end.”

[ENDs]

22 November 2023, New York

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on the agreement to release hostages in Gaza

The Secretary-General welcomes the agreement reached by Israel and Hamas, with the mediation of Qatar supported by Egypt and the United States. This is an important step in the right direction, but much more needs to be done.

The United Nations will mobilize all its capacities to support the implementation of the agreement and maximize its positive impact on the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

New York, 22 November 2023

19 November 2023 New York

Statement by the Secretary-General on Gaza

I am deeply shocked that two UNRWA schools were struck in less than 24 hours in Gaza. Dozens of people – many women and children – were killed and injured as they were seeking safety in United Nations premises.

Hundreds of thousands of Palestinian civilians are seeking shelter at United Nations facilities throughout Gaza due to the intensified fighting. I reaffirm that our premises are inviolable.

This war is having a staggering and unacceptable number of civilian casualties, including women and children, every day. This must stop.

I reiterate my call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.

I also want to express my deep appreciation for all the mediation efforts led by the government of Qatar.

Statement by the Secretary-General - on Gaza | United Nations Secretary-General