New York

14 May 2023

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on the ceasefire in Gaza and Israel 

Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General

The Secretary-General welcomes last night’s ceasefire agreement in Israel and Gaza. 

The Secretary-General extends his deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the violence. The hostilities have led to needless human suffering.  

The Secretary-General commends Egypt’s key role in bringing the hostilities to an end, alongside the efforts of Qatar, Lebanon and the United States to reach a ceasefire. He calls on all sides to observe the ceasefire. 

The Secretary-General reaffirms the United Nations’ commitment to the achievement of the two-State solution based on relevant United Nations resolutions, international law, and prior agreements and the importance of restoring a political horizon. He reiterates that only a negotiated sustainable political solution will lead to lasting peace and end, once and for all, these devastating cycles of violence.