UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appealed for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza before the third anniversary of the attacks on October 7, 2023.
In his message issued on the third anniversary, Guterres said that the horror of those attacks should never be repeated again and the fighting that started in Gaza must now end.
On October 7, 2023, the Palestinian extremist organization Hamas attacked Israel from Gaza. About 1,200 people were killed and 251 people were taken hostage. In response, Israel launched a military operation against Hamas in Gaza.
According to news agency Xinhua, at least 74 thousand Palestinians have been killed in this conflict.
The UN Secretary-General said, “The devastating fighting that followed the attacks has caused incalculable pain and suffering to the Palestinians in Gaza. It has resulted in massive loss of life, displacement and widespread destruction. Ordinary people are still facing extremely difficult conditions. Their suffering must end now.”
He said that last year’s ceasefire has definitely brought some relief, but till now the people have not been able to get complete security, adequate humanitarian assistance or a reliable way to improve the situation and maintain peace.
Guterres said, “I urge all parties to fully implement their commitments and move towards the next phase of the ceasefire. Now is the time to make the ceasefire permanent. It is also time to allow large-scale humanitarian aid to reach and respect international law.”
He said that there is a need to prepare a political path for long lasting peace in the entire region. He also said that the United Nations remains committed to these goals.
Guterres said, “This anniversary should not mark just another year of sorrow and mourning, but should strengthen our resolve to build a different future. A future where Israelis and Palestinians can live as neighbors to each other in peace and security and their rights, dignity and hopes are fulfilled.”
Nearly 1,200 people in Israel were killed in the October 7 attack led by Hamas. After this, Israel launched a large-scale military operation throughout Gaza. According to Gaza health officials, more than 74,200 people have lost their lives in these military actions.