Israeli rescue workers in an area hit by a Hamas attack on October 7. ‘Year of unimaginable suffering’: UN calls for ceasefire, release of Gaza hostages Peace and Security
A “year of unimaginable suffering” has passed since Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups carried out the deadliest attacks in Israel’s history, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Monday. UN agencies issued statements today to mark the anniversary of the attack on Israel and the start of the Gaza war that followed.
According to Israeli sources, more than 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals, including children, were killed on October 7, and nearly 5,500 were injured, OCHA said in a statement. Dozens of hostages remain in Gaza, reportedly being subjected to inhumane treatment, including sexual violence. Entire communities in Israel have been displaced due to threats of indiscriminate rocket fire.
Casualties in Gaza
In Gaza, more than 41,600 Palestinians have been killed and 96,600 wounded, according to local health authorities, OCHA added. Thousands are missing, likely trapped under rubble. Almost all of the enclave’s residents have been forced to flee their homes and shelters, many of them multiple times, the UN agency said. Thousands of Palestinians have been arbitrarily detained and reportedly subjected to torture and inhumane treatment.
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“No statistics or words can fully convey the scale of the physical, psychological and social damage,” said Acting Under-Secretary-General and Emergency Relief Coordinator Joyce Msuya.
“But we know what must happen: the hostages must be released and treated humanely. Civilians must be protected and their basic needs met. Arbitrarily detained Palestinians must be released. Humanitarian workers must be protected and their work facilitated. Those responsible for serious violations of international humanitarian law must be held accountable. “And the invasion of Gaza must stop,” she added,
Solidarity with the victims
In a statement, the UN Secretary-General expressed solidarity with the victims of the October 7 attacks and their families. “On this day, the world must once again loudly condemn Hamas’s abhorrent actions, including the hostage-taking,” he said.
The Secretary-General added that “a wave of horrific violence and bloodshed” had erupted since October 7. 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.”
“We mourn the victims of the horrific attacks on October 7, 2023 in Israel. Our hearts go out to all those who suffered that day and every day since, in Israel, Palestine, Lebanon and beyond,” said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk.
Ceasefire
Meanwhile, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Thor Wennesland stressed that even a year after the Hamas attacks, their brutality cannot be understood.
He added that war and violence continue to devastate the lives of Israelis, Palestinians, and now the people of Lebanon. Wennesland called for an immediate ceasefire to ensure the safety of all civilians.
According to General Assembly President Philemon Young, who also issued a statement on the anniversary of the attacks, the Middle East region has witnessed death, destruction and displacement for too long.
“We need an immediate ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and a return to dialogue to find diplomatic solutions to the conflicts in the region,” Young said. He called on all parties – Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah – to abide by their obligations under international law.
Sexual violence
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten, expressed her solidarity with all the victims, their families and the communities affected by the tragic events one year ago.
She also recalled her findings that sexual violence, including rape and gang rape, was committed against hostages during the 7 October attacks and afterwards. Patten also said there were reasons to believe that such violence against hostages may still continue.
“I therefore urge political leaders in the region and all those with influence over the parties to the conflict to intensify their efforts to secure the release of all remaining hostages as a matter of priority,” the Special Representative said.