UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. (Photo: Getty Images)
UN chief urges Hamas to resume captives release
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on Hamas to proceed with the planned release of captives, warning that renewed hostilities in Gaza would lead to “an immense tragedy.”
His statement on Tuesday followed Hamas’s decision to halt the exchange, citing "Israeli" violations of the ceasefire agreement.
We must avoid at all costs resumption of hostilities in Gaza that would lead to immense tragedy.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) February 11, 2025
I appeal to Hamas to proceed with the planned liberation of hostages.
Both sides must fully abide by their commitments in the ceasefire agreement & resume serious negotiations.
Earlier on Monday, Hamas' military spokesperson, Abu Obaida, accused "Israel" of failing to adhere to the agreement, citing delays in the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza, airstrikes, gunfire targeting civilians, and obstruction of humanitarian aid. He emphasized that "the resistance has honored all its commitments."
As a result, the release of "Israeli" captives, originally scheduled for Saturday, Feb.15, 2025, has been postponed.
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