UN Secretary-General Salutes Gaza Ceasefire Agreement as A Step Towards Peace

The ceasefire agreement, such as it involved some form of prisoner exchange and lifting some obstacles to the delivery of aid, is viewed as a major step toward stabilization in the conflict-ridden area.

The ceasefire is envisioned releasing in three parts, the first of which would last for six weeks. The bar will be:

The Israeli army would undertake all its operations within 700 meters from the border of Gaza.

Almost about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners including 250 who have been sentenced for life imprisonment will be released during this phase.

To build trust among parties and provide immediate relief to the affected parties.

One of the immediate consequences of ceasefire is a resumption of the flow of humanitarian supplies. Hundreds of trucks lined up, bringing in very much needed succor to say the least; supplies brought into Gaza via Salah al-Din Street include food, medical equipment, and other essentials on which many depend for survival.

Secretary-General Guterres spoke about sustaining this flow of aid, urging all parties to ensure unauthorized access for humanitarian operations.

Dr. Khalil al-Hayya, senior Hamas leader in Gaza, said that the ceasefire is the "beginning of a new era" and expressed hope. He also praised the strength of the people of Gaza, saying that even under these extreme conditions, they stood.