United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned Hamas’ attack on Israel. This stance was conveyed by the official representative of the Secretary-General, Stephane Dujarric, through a formal statement that underscored the gravity of the incident and the impact on civilians. The UN’s voice emphasized the seriousness of the assault and reaffirmed its commitment to immediate de‑escalation efforts across the region. The message also highlighted the need for accountability and adherence to international humanitarian law in all actions related to the conflict.
“The UN Secretary-General strongly condemns Hamas’ aggression against Israeli towns near the Gaza Strip and central Israel, including the firing of thousands of rockets into populated areas of Israel,” Dujarric said. The remark reflected a unified stance from the international community against attacks that threaten civilian life and disrupt daily life for countless families. It also signaled the Secretary-General’s insistence that violence leads to greater suffering and that all parties must pursue nonviolent channels to protect civilians and restore calm.
The representative noted that Guterres called on the parties to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict to show maximum restraint. In his view, measured responses, verifiable at every step, are essential to prevent further human tragedy. The appeal to restraint came alongside a call for renewed commitment to dialogue, regional stabilization, and adherence to international norms. It was framed as part of a broader effort to create conditions where diplomatic initiatives can take root and progress toward a sustainable resolution is possible.
According to the secretary-general, diplomatic efforts are needed to prevent further escalation of tensions around Israel. The UN stressed that escalation would worsen humanitarian conditions, threaten regional security, and complicate efforts to deliver aid to affected populations. As a result, the organization urged international partners to coordinate, share verifiable information, and support peacekeeping and mediation efforts that address the underlying causes of the conflict while protecting civilians and enabling humanitarian corridors where needed.
On 7 October, Hamas forces launched a major offensive, with reports indicating more than 3,000 missiles striking Israeli territory. In response, Israeli authorities declared a state of emergency, and discussions at the national level pointed toward a profound commitment to national defense. The Israeli Prime Minister publicly stated that the country is at war, and security forces launched operational measures designed to neutralize the threat from Hamas. The IDF’s operation against Hamas was described as Operation Iron Swords, a name symbolizing a decisive posture aimed at restoring security for Israeli civilians and restoring deterrence in the face of asymmetric attacks. Throughout this period, the international community watched closely, urging restraint on both sides and emphasizing the protection of civilians in all military and security actions.
As part of the broader defense and response framework, Israeli air strikes targeted multiple Hamas facilities and infrastructure within the Gaza Strip. The activity involved coordinated actions intended to degrade the group’s military capabilities while attempting to minimize harm to noncombatants. The UN and other humanitarian actors monitored the impact on civilians, stressing the importance of precise targeting, continued humanitarian access, and adherence to international humanitarian law during every opportune moment of the conflict. Such measures highlight the constant balance between legitimate security concerns and the imperative to safeguard human life amid ongoing hostilities.
Earlier assessments acknowledged by international observers noted the difficulty of accurately forecasting militant movements and the actions of armed groups, underscoring the complex reality on the ground. The UN and partners have consistently called for improved intelligence sharing and verification to reduce miscalculations that could escalate violence and jeopardize civilian safety. These reflections, shared in diplomatic forums and through official statements, reinforce the need for transparent communication, timely humanitarian information, and steady commitment to civilian protection as a cornerstone of any credible peace process.