UN chief calls for Gaza ceasefire ahead of Oct 7 anniversary

UNITED NATIONS: United Nations secretary general Antonio Guterres has called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza as the country prepares to mark the third anniversary of the Oct 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. Guterres emphasized the need for the ceasefire to become a lasting peace across the region and the implementation of humanitarian assistance at scale, acknowledging the suffering of both Israelis and Palestinians.

He highlighted the Hamas attack's abhorrent nature, which claimed over 1,200 Israeli lives and held 251 hostages. Guterres also noted the immense loss faced by Palestinians in Gaza, who have experienced significant casualties, displacement, and destruction, with figures from the Palestinian Health Ministry being considered reliable by the UN.

While a brief ceasefire in October 2025 brought some relief, it has not yet provided security, adequate humanitarian aid, or a credible path to recovery and peace. Israel maintains control over most of Gaza, refusing to withdraw its forces until Hamas completes the disarmament process. Hamas, however, advocates for gradual disarmament rather than an immediate surrender.

Israel has been engaged in military operations across multiple fronts, including an invasion of southern Lebanon to address Hezbollah, the Islamist group supported by Iran, and a war against Iran in late February alongside the United States.