UN Chief welcomes ceasefire in Gaza Strip

NEW YORK, Aug 8 (KUNA) -- The UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres welcomed the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, commending the efforts of Egypt in this regard.
Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General, said the Secretary-General welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire in Gaza and Israel.
"He is deeply saddened by the loss of life and injuries, including children, from airstrikes in Gaza and the indiscriminate firing of rockets toward Israel from population centers in Gaza by Palestinian Islamic Jihad and other militant groups," added Dujarric.
The UN Chief extended "his deepest condolences to the victims of the violence and their loved ones". "The hostilities have contributed to a humanitarian emergency. Crossings into Gaza have been closed and power shortages are affecting essential facilities and supplies. Hundreds of buildings and homes have been destroyed or damaged, leaving thousands of Palestinians homeless." "The Secretary-General commended Egypt for its efforts carried out, in close coordination with the UN, to help restore calm," added the spokesman.
Guterres called on all sides to observe the ceasefire.
The UN chief reaffirmed "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." "Only a negotiated sustainable political solution will end, once and for all, these devastating cycles of violence and lead to a peaceful future for Palestinians and Israelis alike." (end) asf.gta