In a significant push for peace and stability in the Middle East, UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged for the adherence to ceasefire agreements and highlighted the need for a two-state solution during the Second World Summit for Social Development held in Qatar this Tuesday.

Addressing the media, Guterres emphasized the importance of international cooperation to ensure the ceasefire holds between Israel and Palestine, underscoring the UN's unwavering commitment to impartiality. "We have been very actively supporting the principle that the ceasefire must hold, that all parties must abide by the ceasefire, that there must be a link between Gaza and the West Bank in the way the next stage is put in place. And that this needs to lead to a two-state solution and to the recognition of an independent Palestinian state," Guterres stated.

The Secretary-General also revealed that the US is collaborating with the UN Security Council to draft a resolution that will support the governance framework in Gaza, ensuring any new governing body has the legitimacy of a Security Council mandate. He highlighted the ongoing humanitarian efforts, mentioning that the US assisted in convincing Israel to ease some restrictions to aid flow into Gaza.

This announcement comes amid renewed global calls for sustained peace following a ceasefire brokered early October by US President Donald Trump, with extensive support from neighboring Middle Eastern nations. Since then, the UN has managed to provide aid to nearly half of the Palestinian population in the region.

Guterres wrapped up the conference by stressing the critical need to reinstate educational systems in Gaza, pointing to an upcoming conference in Cairo focused on the region's educational and reconstruction needs. Inspired by the Sharm El Sheikh Peace Summit, this conference aims to tackle the reported famine in Gaza and ensure continuous support for the ceasefire efforts.

The Cairo conference, announced during Qatar’s Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, is set to draw governments, international organizations, development banks, and philanthropic foundations to collaborate on Gaza's recovery and reconstruction, highlighting Egypt’s role in maintaining a steady flow of aid and supporting the ceasefire agreement.