UN chief concerned about Gaza ceasefire failing after Israel threatens to end deal
'All efforts need to make sure that this ceasefire, which has been precious to the people of the region and indeed of the wider Middle East, is maintained' says spokesman
Car belonging to the United Nations is seen as officials carry out final checks before the buses carrying patients and their companions depart from Nasser Hospital in the city of Khan Yunis to the Rafah border gate to cross into Egypt on February 01, 2025 in Khan Yunis, Gaza
HAMILTON, Canada
The UN on Tuesday expressed concern about the possibility of a ceasefire deal in the Gaza Strip failing, following threats by Israel to terminate the agreement.
Asked whether UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is worried about the ceasefire failing, spokesman Farhan Haq said during a news conference that "it's a tremendous concern if the ceasefire does not last."
"You saw the suffering that had happened from October 2023 up until just a few weeks ago. We do not want to return to that. We do not want to return to the continued amount of killing, the threat of famine, the threat of the outbreak of disease," Haq said amid Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent threats to end the ceasefire.
He said that "all efforts need to make sure that this ceasefire, which has been precious to the people of the region and indeed of the wider Middle East, is maintained.”
"It's essential that the ceasefire agreement, which has already brought so much relief to the long-suffering population, particularly in Gaza, be upheld," he added.
The three-phase ceasefire deal has been in place in Gaza since Jan. 19, halting Israel's genocidal war, which has killed more than 48,200 victims and left the enclave in ruins.
Hamas said Monday that it would delay the next hostage release in response to Israeli violations of the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement.
In response, Netanyahu threatened to end the deal and resume fighting if Hamas does not return Israeli hostages by noon Saturday.
