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
India, China have completed disengagement: Reports
October 31, 2024
-
News
Uzbekistan parties supporting President Mirziyoyev win parliamentary elections as country undergoes reforms
October 29, 2024
-
News
Sanction Indian diplomats, ban RSS: anti-India Canadian leader Jagmeet Singh goes ballistic
October 16, 2024
-
News
Hezbollah drone attack on military base kills four Israeli soldiers
October 14, 2024
-
News
Trudeau govt's vote bank politics: India toughens stand against Canada after latest tirade over Nijjar killing
October 14, 2024
-
News
Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which claimed responsibility for Baba Siddique's murder, sends Salman Khan a message
October 14, 2024
-
News
RG Kar: Bengal junior doctors to hold protest march to Raj Bhavan on 10th day of hunger strike today
October 14, 2024
-
News
Tamil Nadu derailment: 19 injured in Darbhanga Bagmati Express collision with goods train, 13 coaches jump track
October 12, 2024
-
News
Distasteful and disgraceful: Amit Shah on Mallikarjun Kharge's 'won't die till Modi is removed from power' remark
September 30, 2024
-
News
Keep Gods away from politics: Supreme Court slams Andhra govt over Tirupati laddoo row
September 30, 2024