One year of the Gaza war, called by the UN Secretary-General
Last Updated on October 7, 2024 10:27 am
Efforts must continue to find a durable solution to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, so that both sides and other countries in the region can respect each other and live together in peace and dignity. He said this in a message given on the one year anniversary of Hamas attacks on Israel.
The Secretary-General also said that the October 7 attack was brutal, killing more than 1,250 Israelis and foreigners, including children and women. During this time they were subjected to indescribable violence. More than two and a half people including many women and children were taken hostage that day.
He said that October 7 is the day for the international community to loudly and clearly condemn the reprehensible actions of Hamas and the hostage-taking.
In his message, the Secretary General also said that he had met the families of the hostages in the last one year and expressed his sympathy with them in their suffering.
Antonio Guterres said a wave of horrific violence and bloodshed began after Oct. 7, and the war that began a year ago after that horrific attack continues to destroy lives one after another. This is causing severe humanitarian suffering for the Palestinians in Gaza and now for the people of Lebanon.
The Secretary-General called for peace, restoration of international law and justice for all victims and survivors. He said the United Nations was committed to working towards the release of all hostages, the end of suffering throughout the region and the establishment of a lasting peace in accordance with the principles of international law and justice.
Finally, he said, we must hold on to hope despite so much bloodshed and division.