Gaza Needs Permanent Armistice And Kredible Political Process

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. (Twitter/@antinooguterres)

JAKARTA - A permanent ceasefire and credible political process are urgently needed to prevent further bloodshed in the Gaza Strip, Palestine.

This was said by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres when the conflict in the enclave lasted for two years on Tuesday, while the death toll and injuries continued to grow.

"The permanent ceasefire and credible political processes are essential to prevent further bloodshed and pave the way for peace," said Secretary General Guterres, launching WAFA October 8.

Secretary General Guterres further emphasized the UN's "teguh" commitment to support peace in the region.

He called for "end the hostilities in Gaza, Israel and the region right now," and not to make "civilians pay with their lives and future."

"At this solemn memorial, let us respect the memories of all victims by seeking the only way forward: fair and lasting peace, where the citizens of Israel, Palestine, and all nations in the region coexist in security, dignity, and mutual respect," he added.

The latest conflict in the Gaza Strip broke out on October 7, 2023, when a Palestinian militant group led by Hamas attacked Israel's southern region, killing 1,200 people and causing 251 others to be held hostage, according to Israeli calculations.

Israel responded to this by carrying out airstrikes, blockades and land operations in the Gaza Strip. The two sides agreed to a ceasefire and exchange of hostages from January 19 to March 18.

Medical sources in the Gaza Strip announced on Tuesday that the death toll had risen to 67,173, while the number of injured victims had reached 169,780, including 20,179 children, 10,427 women, 4,813 elderly and 31,754 men.

Efforts to end genocide and the humanitarian disaster in Gaza continue. Most recently, the White House released a 20-point peace proposal for US President Donald Trump last week.

Secretary General Guterres described President Trump's proposed ceasefire as "an opportunity that should be exploited to end this tragic conflict."

Since Monday, the Hamas and Israeli groups have continued peace negotiations with Egyptian, Qatar and US mediators at Egypt's Red Sea resort, Sharm el-Sheikh.