UN Chief Antonio Guterres Calls For Permanent Gaza Ceasefire Ahead Of October 7 Anniversary

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza ahead of the third anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, urging an end to the conflict and a renewed push for lasting peace.

“It is time for the ceasefire to become permanent. It is time to allow humanitarian assistance at scale. And it is time to respect international law,” Guterres said in a statement, calling for a “political path to lasting peace across the whole region.”

“Let this anniversary mark not only another year of mourning, but also a renewed determination to build a different future: one in which Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in peace and security, with their rights, dignity, and aspirations fulfilled,” he said.

Guterres Condemns Hamas Attack, Acknowledges Israeli Losses

The UN chief described the October 7 Hamas attack as “abhorrent”, noting that more than 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals were killed and 251 people were taken hostage.

At the same time, Guterres highlighted the devastation faced by Palestinians in Gaza, citing a “massive loss of life, displacement and destruction.”

“Their suffering, too, demands an end, now,” he said.

Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has killed more than 74,200 Palestinians, according to figures from the Palestinian Health Ministry, which is controlled by Hamas. The United Nations has previously described the ministry’s casualty figures as broadly reliable.

Gaza Ceasefire Yet To Deliver Lasting Peace

Guterres said a temporary ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump in October 2025 had “brought some relief,” but argued that it had failed to deliver lasting security, sufficient humanitarian aid or a credible recovery and peace process.

Israel continues to control large parts of Gaza and has said its forces will not withdraw until Hamas’ disarmament is verified.

Hamas, meanwhile, has advocated gradual disarmament rather than an immediate and unilateral surrender of its weapons.

Conflict Has Spread Across The Region

The October 2023 attacks triggered a wider regional conflict, with Israel subsequently conducting military operations on multiple fronts.

Israel invaded southern Lebanon as it confronted Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group, and later joined the United States in launching a war against Iran in late February.

Against this backdrop, Guterres urged the parties to move beyond recurring cycles of violence and pursue a political settlement that can secure lasting peace, dignity and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.