During the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres commended President Donald Trump for his significant contribution to securing a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Guterres highlighted the robust diplomacy displayed by the then-president elect, which played a crucial role in convincing Israel to agree to the ceasefire just two days before it was reached.
The ceasefire deal, which was agreed upon last week and came into effect on Sunday, has been a subject of contention between the Trump and Biden administrations, with both claiming credit for its success. While Biden officials point to pre-election momentum and previous ceasefire agreements as contributing factors, Trump asserts that his win was instrumental in achieving the agreement.
Despite the initial skepticism surrounding the longevity of the ceasefire, Guterres expressed hope that the temporary truce would pave the way for a permanent ceasefire and eventually lead to the reunification of the occupied Palestinian territories. He emphasized the importance of serious negotiations towards a political solution based on the establishment of two states, Israel and Palestine.
As the first phase of the ceasefire agreement unfolds, stakeholders remain cautiously optimistic about its prospects for lasting peace in the region. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with a shared goal of promoting stability and security in the Middle East.