United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Wednesday it was "imperative" the newly struck Gaza ceasefire removes obstacles to aid deliveries as he welcomed the deal that includes a prisoner and hostage exchange.
Guterres also called for the "integrity" of Palestinian territory to be respected and for a push to ensure "unified" Palestinian leadership capable of securing peace.
"It is imperative that this ceasefire removes the significant security and political obstacles to delivering aid across Gaza so that we can support a major increase in urgent life-saving humanitarian support," he said.
Guterres has led calls for a ceasefire in the deadly conflict and has advocated for an unhindered flow of aid to the war-torn territory, including that delivered by UN agencies.
The UN humanitarian chief said the ceasefire offered "a moment of hope and opportunity."
"But we should be under no illusions how tough it will still be to get support to survivors. The stakes could not be higher," Tom Fletcher said in a statement.
The UN children's agency UNICEF called the deal "long overdue."
"The war has exacted a horrific toll on Gaza's children -- reportedly leaving at least 14,500 dead, thousands more injured, an estimated 17,000 unaccompanied or separated from their parents, and nearly one million displaced from their homes," UNICEF said in a statement.
In comments to reporters, Guterres called the new deal "a critical first step."
"But we must mobilize all efforts to also advance broader goals, including the preservation of the unity, contiguity and integrity of the occupied Palestinian territory," he said.
"Palestinian unity is essential for achieving lasting peace and stability, and I emphasize that unified Palestinian governance must remain a top priority."
Guterres called on all sides in the conflict to seize the opportunity to secure "a better future for Palestinians, Israelis and the broader region, ending the occupation, and achieving a negotiated two-state solution."
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