Hamas makes demands as UN chief arrives in Gaza for visit
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BEIT LAHIYA, Gaza Strip – Gaza's Islamic Hamas rulers welcomed UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to the isolated territory Wednesday by demanding he work to lift the Israeli-Egyptian blockade of the strip and save it from a humanitarian crisis.
In a statement issued upon Guterres' arrival, Hamas also demanded he approve relief and development programs and pressure Israel about the Palestinian prisoners it holds.
Guterres is on his first visit to the region since taking office at the beginning of the year. His meetings with Israeli and Palestinian leaders are aimed at encouraging the resumption of peace talks.
