U.N. Chief Urges Hostage Release on 6-Month Anniversary of Hamas Attacks

By Yoni Weiss

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has marked the six-month anniversary since the Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7, during which hundreds were taken hostage and over 1,200 Israelis killed, Hy”d, with a strong condemnation and a plea for the unconditional release of all hostages.

Guterres stated, “The 7th of October is a day of immense pain for Israel and the world. Nothing can justify the horror unleashed by Hamas,” in a video statement accompanying his remarks.

Expressing sorrow for the 1,200 individuals, including many women and children, who lost their lives, Guterres reiterated his condemnation of violence, torture, and civilian abductions. He called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz swiftly responded to Guterres’s statement on social media, urging the U.N. chief to go beyond words and take concrete action through the United Nations Security Council.

“The time for mere rhetoric has passed. It’s time to translate your words into binding decisions at the U.N. Security Council,” Katz posted in response. He called for the invocation of Article 99 of the U.N. Charter to impose sanctions on Hamas, similar to those placed on terrorist organizations such as al-Qaeda and ISIS.