UN chief urges permanent Gaza ceasefire on October 7 anniversary
Synopsis
Three years after the Hamas attacks that killed 1,200 Israelis and triggered a war that has since claimed more than 74,200 Palestinian lives, UN Secretary-General Guterres is demanding more than a pause — he wants the ceasefire to become permanent, humanitarian aid at scale, and a political horizon that makes coexistence possible.
Key Takeaways
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza ahead of the third anniversary of the 7 October 2023 Hamas attacks.
The 7 October 2023 Hamas attack killed approximately 1,200 people in Israel and took 251 hostage.
According to Gaza's health authorities , Israeli military operations have killed more than 74,200 Palestinians .
Guterres acknowledged the existing ceasefire had brought 'some relief' but said it had not delivered security, adequate humanitarian aid, or a credible peace path.
The UN chief urged all parties to advance to the next phase of the ceasefire, allow humanitarian assistance at scale, and respect international law.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, issuing an urgent appeal ahead of the third anniversary of the 7 October 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel. In a message marking the solemn occasion, Guterres said the suffering of civilians in Gaza demands an immediate end to hostilities.
What Guterres Said
'The devastating hostilities that followed (the attacks) have inflicted untold suffering on Palestinians in Gaza, including massive loss of life, displacement, and destruction. Civilians continue to endure intolerable conditions. Their suffering, too, demands an end, now,' the UN chief said in his anniversary message.
Guterres also addressed the existing ceasefire, acknowledging it had brought 'some relief' but warning that it had 'yet to deliver security, adequate humanitarian assistance or a credible path to recovery and peace.'
'I urge all parties to implement their commitments in full and advance to the next phase of the ceasefire,' he said. '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.'
Background: Three Years of Conflict
On 7 October 2023, Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel from Gaza, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 251 hostage. Israel launched a military campaign against Hamas in Gaza in response. According to Gaza's health authorities, the ensuing Israeli military operations have killed more than 74,200 Palestinians to date.
'The horrors of those attacks must never be repeated, and the ensuing hostilities in Gaza must end,' Guterres stated, framing the anniversary as a moment for accountability as much as mourning.
The Call for a Political Path Forward
Beyond an immediate ceasefire, Guterres stressed the need to build a broader political framework for lasting peace across the region. The United Nations, he said, remains 'unwavering' in its commitment to that goal.
'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.
What Comes Next
Guterres called on all parties to advance to the next phase of the existing ceasefire agreement, push for large-scale humanitarian access, and honour their obligations under international law. The UN's appeal comes as the conflict's third year begins with no clear resolution in sight, and as global pressure mounts for a durable political settlement.
Point of View
Which implies pressure on both Israel and Hamas to stop treating the pause as a tactical tool. The reference to 'international law' is a pointed reminder that the International Court of Justice has been seized of this conflict. Whether the third anniversary produces political movement or merely solemn statements will depend on actors — Washington and Doha chief among them — who operate well outside UN chambers.
NationPress
6 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did UN Secretary-General Guterres say about the Gaza ceasefire?
Guterres called for the existing ceasefire in Gaza to become permanent, urging all parties to advance to its next phase, allow large-scale humanitarian assistance, and respect international law. He made the appeal in a message marking the third anniversary of the 7 October 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel.
What happened on October 7, 2023?
On 7 October 2023, Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel from Gaza, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 251 hostage. Israel subsequently launched a military campaign against Hamas in Gaza that, according to Gaza's health authorities, has killed more than 74,200 Palestinians.
Has a ceasefire already been reached in Gaza?
Yes, a ceasefire was reached, and Guterres acknowledged it had brought 'some relief.' However, he said it had not yet delivered security, adequate humanitarian assistance, or a credible path to recovery and peace, and called for it to be made permanent.
Why is the October 7 anniversary significant in 2026?
The third anniversary marks three years since the Hamas attacks and the start of the conflict that has killed tens of thousands. Guterres used the occasion to renew calls for a permanent ceasefire and a political path to lasting peace, framing it as a moment for 'renewed determination' rather than only mourning.
What is the UN's position on a two-state solution?
Guterres expressed the UN's commitment to building a political path to lasting peace across the region, calling for a future in which 'Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in peace and security, with their rights, dignity, and aspirations fulfilled.' The UN remains formally committed to a two-state solution framework.
