UN Secretary-General praises Qatar's efforts which contributed to reaching ceasefire in Gaza Strip

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres

Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres praised Qatar's efforts that contributed to reaching ceasefire between Gaza Strip and Israel. The UN chief has welcomed the ceasefire declared between Gaza and Israel, following 11 days of rocket and air attacks, which have left deaths, and offered his deepest condolences to the victims of violence and their families, saying: ‘I commend Egypt and Qatar for the efforts carried out, in close coordination with the UN, to help restore calm to Gaza and Israel’, the UN chief added, calling on all sides to observe the ceasefire. Guterres said it was essential for the wider international community to work with the UN, to develop ‘an integrated, robust package of support for a swift, sustainable reconstruction and recovery, that supports the Palestinian people and strengthens their institutions.’ He stressed that leaders in Israel and Palestine had a responsibility ‘beyond the restoration of calm, to start a serious dialogue to address the root causes of the conflict.’