As Gaza ceasefire begins, UN Chief urges parties to commence peace talks in Cairo
New York, Aug 6 (IBNS) Following the announcement on Monday of a ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian factions, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has urged all parties to commence talks in Cairo for a durable peace.
Both Israelis and Palestinians must address underlying issues that continue to cause outbreaks of conflict, said Ban in a statement issued by a spokesperson at UN Headquarters.
He welcomed the proactive engagement of the Palestinian delegation under the leadership of President Mahmoud Abbas, saying “such talks are the only way to sustainably stop the violence, which has cost far too many lives, and to change the untenable and tragic status quo in Gaza.”
The Secretary-General also welcomed the efforts that led to the new ceasefire and commended all parties for committing to the 72-hour halt in fighting, which began on Tuesday at 8 a.m. local time. Everyone must abide by this new agreement, he added.
Since the start of the conflict on 7 July, at least 1,777 Palestinians have been killed, about 85 per cent of them civilians, according to figures released on Monday by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). That figure includes 393 children and 208 women.
At least 66 Israelis have been killed, including two civilians and 64 soldiers, as well as one foreign national in Gaza.
Top Headlines
-
News
PE firm TA Associates' strategic investment in VeeHealthtek
November 19, 2024
-
News
Manipur unrest: Civil society sets 24-hr deadline for BJP MLAs to take 'decisive action'
November 19, 2024
-
News
Delhi chokes as air quality remains in 'severe plus' category amid curb on several daily activities
November 19, 2024
-
News
Keir Starmer meets Narendra Modi in Brazil, announces relaunch of UK-India free trade agreement talks
November 19, 2024
-
News
Tirumala trust asks non-Hindu staffers to retire or opt for transfer
November 19, 2024
-
News
Manipur's unabated violence kills 1 more in Jiribam, Amit Shah schedules meeting today
November 18, 2024
-
News
Former Delhi minister Kailash Gahlot joins BJP a day after quitting AAP
November 18, 2024
-
News
Delhi records season's worst AQI, train and flight services hit, schools shifted to online mode
November 18, 2024
-
News
Bengal: 17 arrested in clashes between two groups in Murshidabad's Beldanga over Kartik Puja pandal row
November 18, 2024
-
News
DRDO conducts successful flight-trial of first long-range hypersonic missile
November 17, 2024