United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza on the anniversary of October 7, when Hamas attacked Israel, while highlighting the suffering of both Israelis and Palestinians.
The UN secretary-general wrote early Tuesday, October 6, on X that nothing can justify “Hamas’s crimes” against Israeli civilians.
He said that three years later, the pain of October 7 continues for families who lost loved ones, survivors and everyone whose lives were permanently changed.
Guterres emphasized that the devastating conflict that followed has inflicted immense suffering on Palestinians in Gaza, including widespread loss of life, displacement and destruction.
He said civilians in Gaza continue to endure unbearable conditions and that their suffering must also come to an end.
“The ceasefire last year brought some relief, but it has not yet brought security, sufficient humanitarian assistance or a credible path toward reconstruction and peace. I call on all parties to fully implement their commitments and move to the next phase of the ceasefire based on the comprehensive plan to end the conflict in Gaza,” the UN secretary-general said.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel, killing more than 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals and abducting 251 people, who were taken hostage to the Gaza Strip.
