UN chief António Guterres calls for Gaza ceasefire on first day of Ramadan

UN chief António Guterres reiterated calls for a ceasefire in Gaza on Monday, stressing that Israel's war on the Palestinian territory has continued while Muslims observe the fasting month of Ramadan.

There had been hopes that a ceasefire would be agreed before Ramadan, but talks failed last week due to Israel failing to meet several key demands made by Hamas, such as moves toward a permanent truce.

The bloodshed has continued as Palestinians mark the second day of Ramadan, when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, with 74 people killed in the past 24 hours.

"Even though Ramadan has begun, the killing, bombing and bloodshed continue in Gaza," Guterres said in a statement on Monday.

"My strongest appeal today is to honour the spirit of Ramadan by silencing the guns and removing all obstacles to ensure the delivery of lifesaving aid at the speed and massive scale required."

The secretary-general also called for the hostages taken on 7 October to be released in the "Ramadan spirit of compassion".

Addressing Israel's planned assault on Rafah, Guterres warned the attack "could plummet the people of Gaza into an even deeper circle of hell".

The UN chief also renewed his appeal for a cessation of hostilities in Sudan, where a civil war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary, which began in April 2023, has left thousands dead and displaced millions.

"The fighting there must end for the sake of the Sudanese people who face hunger, horrors and untold hardships," Guterres said.

"In Gaza, in Sudan, and beyond, it is time for peace.

Even though Ramadan has begun, the killing, bombing and bloodshed continue in Gaza … my strongest appeal today is to honor the spirit of Ramadan by silencing the guns and removing all obstacles to ensure the delivery of lifesaving aid
– Secretary-General Guterres pic.twitter.com/GMx9432bSY

— UN News (@UN_News_Centre) March 11, 2024

"I call on political, religious and community leaders everywhere to do everything in their power to make this holy period a time for empathy, action and peace."

Palestinians began fasting on Monday, as Israel continued its bombing of the coastal strip and where Palestinians have been starved by an Israeli siege.

Israeli fighter jets and shelling hit houses in the Zaytoun and Sabra neighbourhoods and areas in the southern city of Khan Younis.

Forces also targeted agricultural land in the Salam neighbourhood of Rafah.

Israel's war on Gaza has killed over 31,000 Palestinians since 7 October, injuring more than 72,000.

On Tuesday, Qatar's foreign ministry said ceasefire negotiations were continuing, despite a "complicated" situation on the ground. 

"We are not near a ceasefire deal, but remain hopeful," a ministry spokesperson was quoted by Reuters as saying.