United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres renewed his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, citing humanitarian reasons and the release of captives.

Guterres stated on Friday that he urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint and take urgent steps to de-escalate tensions in the region.

He pointed out the ongoing danger of a wider regional conflict as the conflict in Gaza persists.

Guterres warned of the escalating violence in the West Bank, stating that the intensified operations by the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) and extremist settlers’ violence, is a cause for concern.