​​​​​​​HAMILTON, Canada

The UN on Wednesday hailed the announcement of a temporary pause to the military conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan for the Muslim holiday of Eid.

"That's a welcome development," spokesperson Farhan Haq said during a news conference when asked about the pause. "We hope that the suspension during Eid will be extended.”

Haq conveyed UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' "strong" condemnation of thane "airstrike in Kabul, Afghanistan, on 16 March, which reportedly resulted in the death and injury of civilians at a hospital."

"The Secretary-General recalls that under international humanitarian law, patients, medical personnel and medical facilities, including hospitals, must be respected and protected at all times. He calls for an independent and impartial investigation into the incident," Haq said.

Extending condolences to the victims and their families, Guterres called for "de-escalation and the immediate cessation of hostilities and urges all parties to comply with their obligations under international law, including the protection of civilians," Haq said. "The Secretary-General urges the parties to resolve their differences through peaceful means and dialogue, in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter.”

Following requests from Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Pakistan announced Wednesday that it is pausing its military operation in Afghanistan for the Muslim holiday of Eid at midnight until March 23.

Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have worsened in recent weeks as border tensions escalated, causing casualties and property damage.

Since late February, cross-border clashes have killed at least 107 people on both sides, including 13 soldiers and five civilians in Pakistan, with one soldier missing.

Afghan authorities said 13 soldiers and 76 civilians have been killed, excluding the latest casualties claimed in Monday’s strike.

The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said it documented 76 civilian deaths and 213 injuries in Afghanistan between Feb. 26 and March 16, excluding the incident at Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul late Monday, due to hostilities.

Islamabad accuses Afghanistan of harboring anti-Pakistan militant groups, which Kabul denies.