UN chief’s anniversary statement
UN Secretary-General António Guterres marked the October 7 anniversary by describing the 2023 attack on Israel as “horrific and large-scale terrorism.” He referred to civilians deliberately killed, reports of sexual violence and abuses against Israeli hostages. Guterres also acknowledged the extensive loss of life, displacement and destruction endured by Palestinians in Gaza during the subsequent hostilities.
Hamas disputes the account
Hamas rejected the statement, accusing Guterres of adopting Israel’s narrative and presenting the attack without the wider history of occupation and blockade. The group disputed allegations about civilian targeting, sexual violence and mistreatment of hostages, and called on the UN chief to retract what it described as false claims.
Contrasting positions remain
The exchange reflects sharply different accounts of the events and their context. Guterres’ remarks included condemnation of the attack and recognition of Palestinian suffering; Hamas argued that the statement placed insufficient weight on the conflict’s history. The group’s denials and accusations are its position and should not be treated as independent findings.
