The United Nations said Wednesday that it’s ready to ramp up the delivery of desperately needed humanitarian aid to Gaza following a ceasefire agreement and urged the removal of major security and political obstacles so supplies can reach all Palestinians in need.

The announcement of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza marks a crucial step towards ending over 15 months of devastating conflict and enables parties to deliver much-needed humanitarian aid and reunite hostages with their families after prolonged captivity.

Australia has welcomed a ceasefire in Gaza with hopes it will help quell community tensions domestically, although some are less optimistic.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Wednesday the priority now "must be to ease the tremendous suffering" caused by the war in Gaza between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas,

Following the agreement on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas, the United Nations has offered its support in implementing the truce. "The United Nations stands ready to support the implementation of this deal and scale up the delivery of sustained humanitarian relief to the countless

The deal, not yet formally announced, outlines a six-week initial ceasefire phase and includes the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian detainees held by Israel.