The horrific attack by Gaza-based militants also saw more than 250 abducted, including many women and children.

“It is time for the release of the hostages. Time to silence the guns. Time to stop the suffering that has engulfed the region,” said António Guterres, calling for peace, the restoration of international law and justice for all victims and survivors.

‘Scarred souls’

The attack “scarred souls”, the UN chief added, with victims suffering unspeakable violence, including clear cases of sexual assault.

“This is a day for the global community to repeat in the loudest voice our utter condemnation of the abhorrent acts of Hamas, including the taking of hostages.”

Mr. Guterres said over the past year he has met families of some of those still being held in the enclave, to learn more about their lives, hopes and dreams “and shared in their anguish and pain.”

“I cannot imagine the torture they are forced to endure every day,” he added, saying that Hamas and other militants must allow the International Committee of the Red Cross to visit the hostages and provide necessary care.

He expressed his solidarity with all the victims of the 7 October attack, together their loved ones.

‘Hold on to hope’

Addressing the aftermath of the brutal massacre, the Secretary-General noted that the terror unleashed that day had led to “a wave of shocking violence and bloodshed.”

“The war that has followed the terrible attacks of one year ago continues to shatter lives and inflict profound human suffering for Palestinians in Gaza and now the people of Lebanon,” he said, adding that he had “spoken out about this often and clearly.”

He said the UN was committed to working towards the release of all hostages, ending suffering across the region and forging a lasting peace according to the principles of international law and justice.

Ultimately, he added: “In the midst of so much bloodshed and division we must hold on to hope.”

He called on the international community to “never stop working for a lasting solution” to the conflict between Israel and Palestine, where all the countries of the Middle East can finally live together “in peace and dignity and with respect for one another.”