Relatives carry the body of a Palestinian, who was killed in Israeli strikes the previous day, during a funeral ceremony in Beit Lahia, in northern Gaza strip on May 6, 2019. (AFP Photo)

UNITED NATIONS, May 6 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations on Monday expressed the hope that a cease-fire between Israel and Palestinian resistance factions in Gaza will be able to hold.

The latest escalation over the weekend was the worst since the 2014 conflict, said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. "Fortunately, following a series of engagements with Egypt, Qatar, and all concerned parties, we were able to contain it."

The cease-fire was based on understandings on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the livelihoods of people, with no violence at the Gaza perimeter fence, he told a regular press briefing. "It is now up to the parties to implement these understandings."

If the calm is sustained, he said, there will be a possibility for discussions on longer-term arrangements to improve the situation and provide relief for the people of Gaza by easing the closures, and support for the reconciliation process, both critical to finding a political solution to the problems of Gaza, he said.

UN special coordinator Nickolay Mladenov will be going to Cairo on Tuesday to continue his discussions with relevant parties, said the spokesman.

In the sudden escalation over the weekend, at least 27 Palestinians and four civilians in Israel were killed, according to official figures. A cease-fire agreement was reached on Monday.