UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a video statement commemorating the first anniversary of the Hamas massacre in Israel on October 7, calling for the international community to denounce Hamas’ actions.

“Today marks one year since the horrific events of October 7th when Hamas launched a large-scale terror attack in Israel killing over 1,250 Israelis and foreign nationals, including children and women. More than 250 people were abducted and taken to Gaza, including many women and children. The October 7th attack scarred souls – and on this day we remember all those who were brutally killed and suffered unspeakable violence – including sexual violence – as they were simply living their lives,” said Guterres.

“This is a day for the global community to repeat in the loudest voice our utter condemnation of the abhorrent acts of Hamas, including the taking of hostages. Over the course of the past year, I have met with the families of hostages…learned more about the lives, hopes and dreams of their loved ones … and shared in their anguish and pain. I cannot imagine the torture they are forced to endure every day,” the UN chief added.

“I demand once again the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. Until then, Hamas must allow the International Committee of the Red Cross to visit those hostages. The 7th of October is naturally a day to focus on the events of that awful day. I express my solidarity with all the victims and their loved ones.”

“Since October 7th,” continued Guterres, “a wave of shocking violence and bloodshed has erupted. The war that has followed the terrible attacks of one year ago continues to shatter lives and inflict profound human suffering for Palestinians in Gaza, and now the people of Lebanon. I have spoken out about this often and clearly. It is time for the release of the hostages. Time to silence the guns. Time to stop the suffering that has engulfed the region. Time for peace, international law and justice. The United Nations is fully committed to achieving these goals.”

“In the midst of so much bloodshed and division, we must hold on to hope. Let us honor the memory of the victims, reunite families and end the suffering and violence in the whole Middle East. And let us never stop working for a lasting solution to the conflict where Israel, Palestine and all other countries of the region can finally live in peace and dignity and with respect for one another,” he concluded.

Guterres’ statement followed shortly after Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz labeled him “persona non grata” in Israel, prohibiting him from entering the nation due to his consistent criticism of Israel and his failure to denounce Iran’s missile attack on Israel the previous week.

Just hours after Katz’s declaration, Guterres denounced Iran’s missile strike against Israel.

“As should have been obvious yesterday in the context of the condemnation I expressed,” Secretary-General Guterres told an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, “I again strongly condemn yesterday’s massive missile attacks by Iran on Israel.”

Since the onset of the conflict in Gaza, Guterres has not hesitated to voice his critiques of Israel. Last October, he remarked that Hamas’ assault on Israel “did not happen in a vacuum,” seemingly attributing some blame to Israel for the attack.

After facing widespread backlash for his comments, the UN Secretary-General insisted that his statements were misconstrued and reaffirmed that he had condemned Hamas.

Later, he linked the sexual atrocities committed by Hamas during the October 7 assault with “reports of sexual violence against Palestinian detainees.”

Guterres then appeared to draw a parallel between Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel and the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

In a social media post, Guterres stated, “Nothing can justify the 7 Oct terror attacks by Hamas” but then added, “Nothing can justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.”

He further remarked, “It’s high time for a humanitarian ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and unimpeded humanitarian access throughout Gaza.”

{Matzav.com}