UN Chief Guterres Marks Oct. 7 Anniversary, Criticizes Israel

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres marked the third anniversary of the October 7th attacks with a lengthy post on X, formerly Twitter. He condemned Hamas's atrocities, detailing the brutal killing of over 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals, including civilians deliberately targeted in their homes and at a music festival. Guterres also highlighted the abduction of 251 people, including women, children, and the elderly, who were taken to Gaza as hostages.

He recounted the horrific abuse, including torture and sexual violence, that hostages endured, stating that nothing could justify these atrocities. Guterres emphasized that the pain of October 7th continues for the families of victims and survivors, sharing that he had met with affected Israeli families and listened to survivors bearing deep physical and emotional scars.

However, after detailing the horrors of the attack and the suffering of hostages, Guterres shifted to his "usual repertoire," criticizing the "devastating hostilities" that followed, which he said inflicted "untold suffering" on Palestinians in Gaza, including mass casualties and destruction. He demanded an immediate end to the intolerable conditions faced by civilians in Gaza.

Guterres called for a permanent ceasefire, large-scale humanitarian aid, and adherence to international law, urging a political path to lasting peace in the region. He concluded by expressing a hope that the anniversary would mark a renewed determination to build a future where Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace and security.