UN Chief Urges Permanent Gaza Ceasefire as October 7 Attacks Mark Three Years
UN Chief Urges Permanent Gaza Ceasefire as October 7 Attacks Mark Three Years
Reporter
October 6, 2026 | 10:44 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday, October 5, 2026, called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza ahead of the third year since the October 7, 2023, attacks.
The horrors of that attack must not be repeated, and the ensuing fighting in Gaza must end, Guterres said in a message marking the three-year times after the attack, as reported by Antara.
On October 7, 2023, the Palestinian militant group Hamas attacked Israel from Gaza, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Israel retaliated by launching a war against Hamas in Gaza that has killed at least 74,000 Palestinians.
“The devastating fighting that followed [the attack] has caused immense suffering for Palestinians in Gaza, including massive loss of life, displacement, and destruction. Civilians continue to endure unbearable conditions. Their suffering must end—now,” the UN Secretary-General said.
A ceasefire reached last year brought some relief. However, it failed to deliver security, adequate humanitarian aid, or a credible path toward recovery and peace, he noted.
“I urge all parties to fully implement their commitments and move to the next phase of the ceasefire,” Guterres said. “It is time for this ceasefire to become permanent. It is time to allow humanitarian aid on a massive scale. And it is time to respect international law.”
He stated that a political path toward lasting peace across the region must be built, adding that the UN remains steadfast in its commitment to these urgent priorities. “May this commemoration mark not only another year of mourning but also a renewed determination to build a different future: a future where Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in peace and security, with their rights, dignity, and aspirations fulfilled,” said Guterres.
Read: Indonesia Hails Guterres’ Leadership Ahead of His Final Months as UN Chief
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