Horrible assaults by militants in Gaza additionally resulted within the abduction of greater than 250 individuals, together with many ladies and kids.
“It is time to free the hostages. It is time to silence the weapons. It is time to finish the struggling that has engulfed the area.
“Scarred Soul”
The UN chief added that the assault “scarred the soul” and that the victims had been subjected to unspeakable violence, together with clear circumstances of sexual assault.
“Immediately is the day when the worldwide neighborhood has as soon as once more, with the loudest voice, strongly condemned the abhorrent actions of Hamas, together with the taking of hostages.”
Guterres mentioned that over the previous 12 months, he had met with a number of the households of these nonetheless held within the enclaves to study extra about their lives, hopes and desires “and to share their ache and struggling”.
“I can not think about the torture they’re compelled to endure each day,” he added, saying Hamas and different militants should permit the ICRC to go to the hostages and supply crucial care.
He expressed his solidarity with all of the victims of the October 7 assault and their family members.
“Maintain on to hope”
Talking in regards to the aftermath of the brutal bloodbath, the Secretary-Basic famous that the horrific occasions of that day led to “a surprising wave of violence and bloodshed”.
“The warfare that adopted the horrific assaults a 12 months in the past continues to devastate lives and trigger deep struggling for Palestinians in Gaza and now Lebanese individuals,” he mentioned, including that he had “spoken about this usually and clearly. a bit.
He mentioned the United Nations is dedicated to working to launch all hostages, finish struggling within the area and set up lasting peace in accordance with worldwide regulation and rules of justice.
Lastly, he added: “Within the midst of a lot bloodshed and division, we should cling to hope.”
He referred to as on the worldwide neighborhood to “by no means cease working to discover a lasting resolution” to the battle between Israel and Palestine, so that each one international locations within the Center East can lastly dwell collectively “in peace, dignity and mutual respect”.
