The horrifying terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas and other terrorists on 7 October 2023 have had an impact in the region, the European Union, and the entire world. Our thoughts and hearts have been with the families of those 1,200 innocent people who were brutally assassinated, as well as with the unspeakable suffering of the hostages and their families. Hamas must free all hostages immediately and unconditionally.

The past year has also seen the horrible suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza and later in the West Bank too. The total war declared by the Israeli government on Hamas has led to a humanitarian crisis. The intense bombing has reduced most of the enclave to rubble. More than 41,000 people, mostly women and children, have been killed. Most Gazans have been driven from their homes and the intense bombing have reduced most of the enclave to rubble. The population is suffering hunger and diseases as Israel besieges the Gaza strip. The scars run deep and the Palestinian people cannot see any future unless their rights are respected. 

The EU has done every effort to alleviate the extreme needs of the Palestinian people, including cases of starvation or basic lack of vaccination for children, by mobilising unprecedented levels of humanitarian aid. Unfortunately, that aid does not always reach those in need, and in too many cases it has been obstructed and impeded. The EU has also consistently warned about disproportionate use of force incompatible with International Humanitarian Law, which must be respected at all times, including in the fight against terrorism and in the exercise of the legitimate right of self-defence.

The EU considers that an immediate ceasefire on all fronts is the only way to get to the liberation of the hostages and de-escalate this extremely dangerous situation for the region that would seriously impact the whole world. The EU has consistently called for this and has been working with partners to achieve it. 

The time for the ceasefire is now, precisely one year after the terrorist attacks. Tomorrow might be too late. The October 7 anniversary only reinforces the EU efforts on the need to achieve that regional ceasefire.