By: ATN News
UNHQ, New York: Today marks one year since the devastating October 7 terror attacks, when Hamas launched a large-scale assault on Israel, killing over 1,250 people, including Israeli citizens and foreign nationals. Among the victims were women and children. More than 250 individuals, many of them women and children, were abducted and taken to Gaza.
In a solemn message, UN Secretary-General António Guterres reflected on the profound impact of the attacks, describing how they left deep scars on countless lives. "This is a day to remember those who were brutally killed and suffered unimaginable violence – including sexual violence – as they were simply living their lives," Guterres said. He expressed solidarity with the victims and their families, demanding justice and the immediate release of all hostages.
The Secretary-General condemned the atrocities of Hamas in the strongest terms, particularly the taking of hostages. "I have met with the families of the hostages and shared in their anguish and pain," he noted, calling for the unconditional release of all captives and urging Hamas to allow the International Committee of the Red Cross access to those held.
Guterres acknowledged the ongoing bloodshed in the region, which has spread beyond Gaza to impact Lebanon as well. Since the October 7 attacks, violence has continued to claim lives and intensify suffering for civilians across the region. The Secretary-General emphasized the urgent need for peace, justice, and international law, stating that the time has come to end the cycle of violence.
"The 7th of October is a day to focus on the tragic events of last year," he said. "But it is also a day to renew our collective commitment to achieving peace. It is time to silence the guns, stop the suffering, and reunite families."
The United Nations remains fully dedicated to finding a lasting resolution to the conflict, Guterres reaffirmed, calling for a future where Israel, Palestine, and all other nations in the region can live in peace, dignity, and mutual respect.
The message comes at a critical time, as the situation in the Middle East continues to evolve, with hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough still elusive amidst ongoing violence.
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