United Nations, October 6 (Daily Kiran) : United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appealed for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, coinciding with the third anniversary of the October 7, 2023 attacks. In his message, Guterres emphasized that the horrors of those attacks must never be repeated and that the ongoing conflict in Gaza must come to an end.
On that fateful day, Hamas launched an assault on Israel from Gaza, resulting in approximately 1,200 fatalities and 251 hostages taken. In retaliation, Israel initiated a military campaign against Hamas in Gaza. According to Xinhua, the conflict has claimed the lives of at least 74,000 Palestinians.
Guterres remarked, “The devastating conflict that ensued has caused immense pain and suffering for Palestinians in Gaza. Many lives have been lost, people have been displaced, and there has been widespread devastation. Ordinary citizens continue to face dire conditions, and their suffering must also come to an end.”
While last year’s ceasefire provided some relief, Guterres noted that people still lack full security, adequate humanitarian aid, and a reliable pathway to improved conditions and lasting peace.
He urged all parties to fully commit to their obligations and move toward the next phase of the ceasefire. “Now is the time to make the ceasefire permanent. It is also time to allow large-scale humanitarian assistance and to respect international law,” he stated.
Guterres highlighted the necessity of preparing a political path for enduring peace across the region. He reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to these goals.
“This anniversary should not merely symbolize another year of grief and mourning but should strengthen our resolve to create a different future—a future where Israelis and Palestinians can live as neighbors in peace and security, with their rights, dignity, and aspirations fulfilled.”
The October 7 attacks led to significant casualties in Israel, prompting a large-scale military response from the Israeli government. Gaza health officials report that military actions have resulted in over 74,200 deaths in the region.
Leave a Comment