UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Hamas attack on Israel anniversary: UN chief expresses solidarity with victims and their loved ones UN
October 7 marks one year since Hamas launched a massive terrorist attack on Israel that killed more than 1,250 Israelis and foreign citizens, including children and women. More than 250 people were kidnapped. The UN Secretary-General expressed solidarity with the victims and their families.
“The attack of 7 October left an indelible mark on people’s hearts, and today we remember all those who were simply living their lives and were brutally murdered or subjected to horrific violence, including sexual violence,” said António Guterres.
“On this day, the world community must once again loudly condemn Hamas’s abhorrent actions, including the hostage-taking,” he added.
Guterres recalled that he had met with the families of the hostages over the past year. During these meetings, he said, he “learned about the lives, hopes and dreams of their loved ones and shared their suffering and pain.”
“I cannot imagine the torture they are subjected to on a daily basis. I once again demand the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages,” the UN chief said. Guterres added that Hamas representatives should allow the International Committee of the Red Cross to visit the hostages.
The secretary general said that since October 7, “a wave of horrific violence and bloodshed” has erupted. The war that followed last year’s attacks continues to “shatter lives and cause deep suffering for the Palestinians in Gaza and now for the people of Lebanon.”
“I have said this unequivocally many times. It is time to free the hostages. It is time to lay down our arms. It is time to end the suffering that has engulfed the region. It is time for peace, international law and justice,” Guterres said, adding that the UN is fully committed to achieving these goals.
He called for hope. “Let us remember the dead, reunite families and put an end to suffering and violence across the Middle East. And let us not give up on efforts to find a lasting solution to the conflict, so that Israel, Palestine and all other countries in the region can finally live in peace,” the Secretary-General said.