Pakistan, March 3 -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on Israel and Hamas to exercise "maximum restraint" as the first phase of their ceasefire agreement concludes.

"The past six weeks have provided a fragile but vital reprieve, offering a measure of relief to both Palestinians and Israelis," the UN chief said in a statement issued by his Spokesperson.

During the period of the truce, thousands of trucks carrying life-saving assistance entered Gaza, reaching nearly every person in the besieged Strip.

According to media reports, the six-week long ceasefire between Israel and Hamas ended earlier on Saturday with further negotiations between the sides still pending.

The Secretary-General emphasized the importan...