The horrific attack by Gaza militants also kidnapped more than 250 people, including many women and children.
“It is time for the release of the hostages. Time to silence the guns. Time to put an end to the suffering that has engulfed the region,” said António Guterres, calling for peace, the restoration of international law and justice for all victims and survivors.
‘Scarred souls’
The attack “has scarred souls,” the UN chief added, with victims suffering unspeakable violence, including apparent cases of sexual assault.
“This is a day for the world community to reiterate in the loudest voice our utmost condemnation of Hamas’ abhorrent actions, including the taking of hostages.”
Mr. Guterres said that over the past year he has met with families of some of those still held in the enclave, to learn more about their lives, hopes and dreams “and to share in their fear and pain.”
“I cannot imagine the torture they have to endure every day,” he added, saying Hamas and other militants should allow the International Committee of the Red Cross to visit the hostages and provide necessary care.
He expressed his solidarity with all victims of the October 7 attack, along with their loved ones.
‘Hold on to hope’
Addressing the aftermath of the brutal massacre, the Secretary-General noted that the terror unleashed that day had led to “a wave of shocking violence and bloodshed.”
“The war that followed the terrible attacks a year ago continues to destroy lives and inflict deep human suffering on the Palestinians in Gaza and now on the people of Lebanon,” he said, adding that he had “spoken about this often and clearly . ”
He said the UN was committed to the release of all hostages, ending suffering in the region and establishing lasting peace in accordance with the principles of international law and justice.
Finally, he added, “Amid so much bloodshed and division, we must hold on to hope.”
He called on the international community to “never stop working towards a lasting solution” to the conflict between Israel and Palestine, where all countries of the Middle East can finally live together “in peace and dignity and with respect for each other.”
