“That day left a deep scar in the people, families and collective memory of the State of Israel and the entire world,” said Tor Vanesland, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process.
“Today, we mourn the loss of over 1,200 people, including women and children, who were brutally killed. Even a year later it is impossible to fully imagine the brutality.”
Tor Vannesland reiterated his call for the immediate and unconditional release of the Taman hostages held by Hamas and other extremist groups.
He said the war has torn apart the lives of the Israeli, Palestinian and now Lebanese people and caused immense suffering for all of them.
He called for an immediate ceasefire to ensure the safety of all civilians.
“Violence begets more violence and in this time of grief and sorrow, we must remain committed to our resolve for peace,” said Tor Vannesland.
Solution through negotiation and diplomacy
UN General Assembly President Philemon Young said in his message that the Middle East region has long seen death, destruction and displacement as it marks one year since the attacks by Hamas.
“I want to reiterate that human suffering must end and it must end now,” he said in a statement. “We urgently need a ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of hostages and a return to dialogue aimed at finding a diplomatic solution to the conflict in the region.”
He said, no lasting peace can be achieved through military means. “Only a two-state solution based on the UN Charter, international law and relevant UN resolutions can guarantee long-term peace and security for Israel and the Palestinian people as well as the entire region.”
The General Assembly president called on all parties – Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah – to fulfill their obligations under international law, including international law. “I also call for ensuring the safety of civilians and ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid, which is desperately needed.”
Memories of victims of sexual abuse
Meanwhile, UN Special Rapporteur on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Promila Patton, expressed her deepest solidarity with the victims of the October 7 attack, their families and affected communities.
Promila Patton also cited her visit to Israel which concluded that war-related sexual violence, including rape and gang rape, took place during the October 7 attack. Apart from this, hostages are also subjected to sexual abuse in custody.
The Special Representative reiterated his call for the immediate safe and unconditional release of all hostages.