UN chief calls for an end to shocking violence in Gaza and Lebanon – DW – 06/10/2024

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate end to the “shocking violence and bloodshed” in Gaza and Lebanon this Saturday (05/10/2024) in a statement on the eve of the anniversary of the attack carried out by the Hamas group in October Did. 7, 2023.

Monday marked one year since the devastating attack against Israel that sparked the current war in Gaza, which also involves Lebanon, and which has world leaders warning of a potential regional crisis.

In an anniversary message published this Saturday night, Guterres declared, “This is the day for the international community to reiterate with the loudest voice its full condemnation of Hamas’s despicable acts, including its hostage-taking.”

Calling for the “immediate and unconditional release” of the hostages, Guterres also urged Hamas to allow Red Cross personnel to meet the hostages.

According to the Israeli military, Hamas militants abducted 251 people on October 7, 97 of whom remain captive in Gaza, killing 33 of them.

Guterres also expressed concern about the expansion of the conflict to Lebanon, where in recent days Israel has attacked Hamas’s affiliate Hezbollah group, killing more than a thousand people and forcing more than a million from their homes. Have been forced to flee.

“Horror Bloodshed”

“The war that followed the horrific attacks a year ago continues to destroy lives and inflict profound human suffering on Palestinians in Gaza and now on the people of Lebanon,” Guterres declared.

The October 7 attack on Israel killed 1,205 people, mostly civilians, including hostages who died in captivity, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.

Israeli counterattacks in Gaza have so far killed at least 41,825 people, most of them civilians, according to the health ministry of Hamas-ruled Gaza, whose data is considered reliable by the United Nations.

“Since October 7, a wave of shocking violence and bloodshed has erupted,” Guterres said.

He said, “It is time to free the hostages (…) It is time to silence the weapons. It is time to end the suffering in which the region has been plunged. It is time for peace, international law and justice.”

MG (AFP, EFE)