The United Nations Secretary-General gave a statement to the media

On October 7, 2023, Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza carried out a massive raid on southern Israel, killing more than 1,250 Israel and foreign nationals, including children and women, and injuring thousands. More than 250 people, including many women and children, were abducted and brought to Gaza.

Guterres said the October 7 attacks left a scar on people's psyche. Today, we honour the memory of all those who were brutally murdered and subjected to untold violence, including sexual violence.

He said that over the past year, he had met with the hostages' families, grieved with them, and learned more about their loved ones' lives, hopes and dreams. He reiterated his demand for the immediate and unconditional release of all the hostages, and said that until then, Hamas must allow the ICRC access to the hostages.

Ending regional suffering

Guterres said there was a shocking wave of violence and bloodshed after October 7. The war that followed the horrific attacks a year ago continues to destroy lives and inflict untold human suffering on the Palestinians in Gaza and now on the Lebanon people.

He noted that the time has come to release the hostages, silence the gunfire, put an end to the suffering that has swept the region, and preserve peace, international law and justice.

He stated that the United Nations was fully committed to achieving those goals. In the face of so much bloodshed and division, we must hold on to hope.

He called on the memory of the victims, family reunions and an end to suffering and violence throughout the Middle East, urging people to never stop working towards a lasting solution to the conflict so that Israel, Palestine and all other countries in the region can finally live in peace, dignity and mutual respect.