UN Secretary-General Guterres calls for permanent ceasefire in Gaza — The Hindu

In the United States, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for the ceasefire in Gaza to be made permanent ahead of the third anniversary of Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The Hindu reports.

Call for humanitarian aid

In a statement on October 5, Guterres stressed that the time had come to make the ceasefire permanent, ensure the large-scale delivery of humanitarian aid, and uphold international law. He also called for a political path to lasting peace throughout the region.

According to the UN secretary-general, this anniversary should become not only another year of mourning, but also an impetus to renew the aspiration for a future in which Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in peace and security, with their rights, dignity and aspirations ensured.

Losses and the positions of the sides

Guterres called the Hamas attack unacceptable and noted that more than 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals were killed as a result, while another 251 people were taken hostage. He also stated that Palestinians in Gaza had suffered massive loss of life, displacement and destruction.

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According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, which is under Hamas control, more than 74,200 people have been killed as a result of Israel’s years-long military campaign in Gaza. The UN considers these figures reliable.

Guterres mentioned the short-lived ceasefire announced by U.S. President Donald Trump in October 2025. According to him, it brought some relief, but did not provide security, sufficient humanitarian aid or a credible path to recovery and peace.

Israel, which, according to the publication, still controls most of Gaza, refuses to withdraw its military personnel until Hamas’s disarmament is confirmed. Hamas, for its part, supports gradual rather than immediate and unilateral disarmament.