By Chibuike Nwabuko
WASHINGTON DC (PRECSE POST) – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has made a passionate and emotional plea for peace, justice, and immediate humanitarian action across the Middle East on the second anniversary of the brutal Hamas-led attacks on Israel.
In a strongly worded statement released on his X handle on Monday, Guterres condemned the October 7, 2023 assault as an “abhorrent large-scale terror attack” and called for the unconditional and immediate release of hostages still held in Gaza.
“The horror of that dark day will be forever seared in the memories of us all,” Guterres said. “Two years later, hostages remain captive in Gaza in deplorable conditions.”
Labeling the ongoing violence a “humanitarian catastrophe on a scale that defies comprehension,” the UN chief demanded an end to hostilities between Israel, Gaza, and the broader region.
“Stop making civilians pay with their lives and their futures,” he urged. “After two years of trauma, we must choose hope. Now.”
Guterres also endorsed the latest peace proposal put forward by U.S. President Joe Biden, calling it a critical opportunity that must be seized to break the cycle of violence and achieve a permanent ceasefire.
“A permanent ceasefire and a credible political process are essential to prevent further bloodshed and pave the way for peace,” he said.
As the region continues to reel from the aftermath of war, displacement, and deepening humanitarian crises, Guterres reaffirmed the UN’s “unwavering” commitment to peace and urged global leaders to honour the victims by pursuing the only viable solution: a just and lasting peace in which “Israelis, Palestinians, and all peoples of the region live side by side in security, dignity, and mutual respect.”
Guterres statement reads in full:
Two years ago today, Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups launched an abhorrent large-scale terror attack on Israel. On this day, let us remember all those who were killed and suffered horrific violence.
The horror of that dark day will be forever seared in the memories of us all. Two years later, hostages remain captive in Gaza in deplorable conditions.
I have said it time and again, and I am repeating it today with even greater urgency:
Release the hostages, unconditionally & immediately.
End the suffering for all. This is a humanitarian catastrophe on a scale that defies comprehension.
Put an end to the hostilities in Gaza, Israel & the region now.
Stop making civilians pay with their lives & their futures.
After two years of trauma, we must choose hope. Now.
The recent proposa @POTUS presents an opportunity that must be seized to bring this tragic conflict to an end.
A permanent ceasefire and a credible political process are essential to prevent further bloodshed & pave the way for peace.
The @UN remains unwavering in its commitment to support peace.
On this solemn anniversary, let us honour the memory of all the victims by working for the only path forward: a just & lasting peace, in which Israelis, Palestinians & all the peoples of the region live side by side in security, dignity and mutual respect.
