New York - Gaza: Europe and the Arabs
The Secretary-General of the United Nations expressed his solidarity with all the victims of the terrorist attack launched by Hamas in Israel on October 7, and with the loved ones of these victims, and called for the immediate release of the hostages. He said that the war that followed these horrific attacks continues to ravage the lives of Palestinians in Gaza, and now the people of Lebanon.

Secretary-General António Guterres said in a video message: “Today marks one year since the horrific events of October 7, when Hamas launched a large-scale terrorist attack in Israel that killed more than 1,250 Israelis and foreign nationals, including children and women. In the attack, more than 250 people, including many women and children, were kidnapped and taken to Gaza.”
Guterres added that the attack left deep scars on people’s souls, recalling “all those who were brutally killed and subjected to unspeakable violence – including sexual violence.” He said that October 7 is a day when the international community reiterates in the strongest terms “our absolute condemnation of the heinous acts carried out by Hamas, including the abduction of hostages.”

Guterres referred to his meetings over the past year with the families of the hostages, saying that he had learned more about the lives, hopes and dreams of their loved ones, and shared their suffering and pain. “I cannot imagine the agony they are forced to endure every day,” he said.

The Secretary-General reiterated his call for the immediate and unconditional release of all the hostages. In the meantime, he stressed the need for Hamas to allow the International Committee of the Red Cross to visit them. “It is natural that October 7 should be a day to focus on the events of that heinous day. I express my solidarity with all the victims and their loved ones,” he said.

Antonio Guterres added that a horrific wave of violence and bloodshed had erupted since that day, “and the war that followed the terrible attacks a year ago continues to wreak havoc on the lives of Palestinians in Gaza and inflicts immense human suffering on them, as well as on the people of Lebanon now.”
The UN Secretary-General stressed that it is time to release the hostages, silence the guns and end the suffering that has swept the region. He said: “The time has come for peace, international law and justice. The United Nations is fully committed to achieving these goals. In the midst of so much bloodshed and division, we must cling to hope.” Guterres called for honoring the memory of the victims, reuniting families and putting an end to the suffering and violence across the Middle East. He stressed the need to never stop working towards a lasting solution to the conflict that will enable Israel, Palestine and all other States in the region to finally live in peace, dignity and respect for one another.