UN Chief Calls for End to “Shocking Violence and Bloodshed” on Hamas Attack Anniversary

The UN Secretary-General condemned Hamas and urged an immediate cessation of the "shocking violence and bloodshed" in Gaza and Lebanon as the anniversary of Hamas's October 7 attack approaches. His remarks reflect growing concerns over the escalating conflict in the region and the urgent need for peace and stability.

Boston Brand Media discovered the trending response from the UN Secretary-General, who condemned Hamas and called for an immediate end to the "shocking violence and bloodshed" in Gaza and Lebanon in a statement released Saturday, just ahead of the anniversary of the Palestinian group's October 7 attack.

Monday marks one year since the devastating assault on Israel that ignited the ongoing war in Gaza, which has now extended to Lebanon, raising alarms among world leaders about a potential all-out regional crisis.

"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," said UN chief Antonio Guterres in his anniversary message. He demanded the hostages' "immediate and unconditional release" and urged Hamas to permit visits from Red Cross personnel.

Hamas militants abducted 251 individuals during the October 7 attack, with 97 still held captive in Gaza. Israeli military sources indicate that 33 of these hostages have been confirmed dead. Guterres expressed concern over the conflict's spread to Lebanon, where recent Israeli strikes against the Hamas-allied group Hezbollah have resulted in over a thousand fatalities and displaced more than a million people.

"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," Guterres remarked.

The October 7 attack on Israel led to the deaths of 1,205 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures, which include hostages killed in captivity. In retaliation, Israel's offensive on Gaza has resulted in at least 41,825 deaths, the majority of whom are civilians, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory. The UN has deemed these figures reliable.

"Since October 7th, a wave of shocking violence and bloodshed has erupted," Guterres stated. "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."

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Source: NDTV‍