UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ office issued a statement on Sunday welcoming the ongoing fulfillment of the ceasefire deal in Gaza, urging both parties to remain committed to its terms and emphasizing the importance of adhering to international humanitarian and human rights law. The statement came a day after the release of three Israeli hostages from Gaza in exchange for 369 Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.

The exchange marked part of the agreement’s first phase, which came into force on January 19 and is expected to conclude by March 1, after which negotiations are to commence for a permanent ceasefire. The three-phase deal includes a gradual de-escalation of hostilities, with phase one facilitating the withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas in Gaza, the return of displaced Palestinians to their neighborhoods, and a substantial increase in humanitarian aid deliveries, according to UN News.

The initial has made good progress despite a roadblock when Hamas threatened to postpone the release, claiming Israel had broken the ceasefire terms; an accusation Israel rejected. The situation was ultimately resolved through the intervention of Arab mediators.

The Secretary-General’s statement noted that the “UN remains fully engaged in supporting the implementation of the deal, including through the delivery of critical humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza.”

Since the ceasefire took effect, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has provided shelter supplies to 644,000 people, distributing essential items like tents, blankets, winter clothing, tarpaulins, and materials to seal structures. Moreover, the agency has also expanded its food distribution, successfully delivering food parcels to 1.5 million people.