UN chief calls for Gaza ceasefire ahead of October 7 anniversary
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza ahead of the third anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks. He emphasized the need for humanitarian aid and a political path to peace while acknowledging the immense loss of life on both sides.
Why it matters
The statement underscores the ongoing diplomatic struggle to resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict and the humanitarian crisis in the region.
United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Monday (October 5, 2026) called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza ahead of the third anniversary of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.
“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,” Mr. 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,” Mr. Guterres said.
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