UN chief says renewed fighting would lead to an ‘immense tragedy’

AP , Tuesday 11 Feb 2025

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has called for the extension of a fragile ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, saying a resumption of hostilities “would lead to an immense tragedy.”

A member of the Red Cross team signs documents before Palestinian Hamas fighters handover three Isra
A member of the Red Cross team signs documents before Palestinian Hamas fighters handover three Israeli captives in Deir el-Balah, central Gaza. AFP

 

He called on Hamas to continue freeing Israeli captives after it threatened to delay the next release. Hamas accuses Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement.

“Both sides must fully abide by their commitments,” Guterres said in a statement Tuesday. 

He also urged the sides to hold serious negotiations over the next phase of the agreement, in which Hamas is to release dozens of remaining captives in exchange for an end to the war.

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