19 November 2014 - The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) Bernardino Leon has announced that the different parties to the conflict in Benghazi have agreed to an unconditional humanitarian truce in the affected areas, which commenced at 7 AM local time today, 19 November 2014, for a period of 12 hours, subject to extension by the parties.

Facilitated by UNSMIL, the humanitarian truce is critical to giving the people of Benghazi a much-needed reprieve from violence. As agreed with all parties, the Libyan Red Crescent will evacuate civilians from the two areas, retrieve the bodies of the dead and facilitate the removal of sewage from the affected areas. Civilians will also have the opportunity to attend to the injured and restock food and other necessary supplies.

UNSMIL urges all parties to fully abide by their commitments during the truce.