Antonio Guterres has released a video statement to mark one year since Hamas’s October 7 attack on southern Israel, Al Jazeera reports.

“The October 7th attack scarred souls, and on this day, we remember all those who were brutally killed and suffered unspeakable violence, including sexual violence, as they were simply living their lives,” he said.

“I demand once again the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. Hamas must allow the International Committee of the Red Cross to visit those hostages,” he added.

Guterres also spoke about the “shocking violence and bloodshed” that has erupted since the events of October 7, saying the conflict that has followed “continues to shatter and inflict profound human suffering” in Gaza and now in Lebanon.

“It is time for the release of the hostages, time to silence the guns, time to stop the suffering that has engulfed the region, time for peace, international law and justice,” he said.