UN Secretary-General welcomes ceasefire deal in Gaza

 The UN Secretary General António Guterres has welcomed the announcement of a deal to secure a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza.

“I commend the mediators — Egypt, Qatar, and the United States of America — for their dedicated efforts in brokering this deal. Their unwavering commitment to finding a diplomatic solution has been critical in achieving this breakthrough. I call on all relevant parties to uphold their commitments and ensure that this deal is fully implemented," he said in a statement.

"From the outset of the violence, I have called for an immediate ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages," he added.