UN General Assembly President Welcomes Ceasefire Agreement: “We Must End the War in Gaza”
Annalena Baerbock, President of the UN General Assembly, has welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, urging all parties to seize this opportunity to end the war in Gaza and work toward lasting peace.
Kokcha News Agency – Annalena Baerbock, President of the 80th UN General Assembly, expressed hope and relief following the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday night, Baerbock emphasized the need to capitalize on this moment to bring an end to the devastating conflict in Gaza.
“Finally, a glimmer of hope. After more than 700 days of death, destruction, and despair, we must seize this moment, made possible by the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, to fully implement its terms and end the war in Gaza,” Baerbock stated. She called for the immediate release of all Israeli hostages and the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Baerbock also expressed gratitude to the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, as well as other nations, for their efforts in alleviating the suffering of Israeli hostages and Palestinian civilians.
Path to Permanent Peace:
Baerbock echoed the sentiments of many world leaders who spoke at the UN General Assembly, stating that a permanent ceasefire could pave the way for peace. She emphasized the need to end Hamas’s rule in Gaza, the occupation of Palestinian territories, and the recognition of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, while also ensuring Israel’s security.
“Israelis and Palestinians can only live together by recognizing and guaranteeing each other’s peace, security, and dignity,” Baerbock added.
Background on the Gaza War:
Since October 7, 2023, Israel, with U.S. support, has waged a brutal war on Gaza following a military operation by Palestinian resistance groups led by Hamas. The conflict has resulted in over 66,000 Palestinian deaths, massive destruction, and a dire humanitarian crisis. Despite UN resolutions and International Court of Justice orders calling for an immediate ceasefire and measures to prevent genocide, Israel has continued its attacks.
Ceasefire Negotiations:
Indirect negotiations between Palestinian and Israeli delegations began on October 6, 2025, in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, with the participation of U.S. envoys, including Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Mnuchin and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former President Donald Trump.
On October 8, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had signed the first phase of a peace plan, which includes the release of hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli forces to agreed-upon lines.
The ceasefire agreement offers a rare opportunity to end the bloodshed in Gaza and move toward a sustainable peace. As the international community watches closely, the implementation of the agreement’s terms will be crucial in determining the future of the region.
