“Unforgettable horror”: EU president condemns Hamas attacks

Tuesday marked the two-year anniversary of Palestinian terrorist group Hamas' attack on Israel that triggered the ongoing Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip.  

Following are reactions from around the world

U.N. SECRETARY-GENERAL ANTONIO GUTERRES

"Two years ago today, Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups launched an abhorrent large-scale terror attack on Israel ... Let us remember all those who were killed and suffered horrific violence.

"I've said it time and again, and I am repeating it today with even greater urgency: Release the hostages, unconditionally and immediately. End the suffering for all. This is a humanitarian catastrophe on a scale that defies comprehension. Put an end to the hostilities in Gaza, Israel and the region now...

"The recent proposal by U.S. President Donald J. Trump presents an opportunity that must be seized to bring this tragic conflict to an end."

EU COMMISSION PRESIDENT URSULA VON DER LEYEN

"We will never forget the horror of the Hamas attacks on October 7 and the pain they caused to innocent victims, their families and the entire people of Israel, two years ago. 

"We honour their memory by working tirelessly for peace. The immediate release of all hostages and a ceasefire are now within reach ... This moment must be seized to pave the way for a lasting peace in the region, based on the two-state solution."

FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON

"Two years after the unspeakable horror of Hamas terrorism, the pain remains raw. We do not forget.

"I reiterate France's call: the release of all hostages and a ceasefire must take place without delay."

ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER GIORGIA MELONI

"Two years have passed since the ignominy of the massacre carried out by Hamas terrorists against thousands of defenceless and innocent Israeli civilians, including women and children.

"Hamas' violence has triggered an unprecedented crisis in the Middle East. Israel’s military response has gone beyond any principle of proportionality, claiming too many innocent lives among Gaza’s civilian population.

"We all have a duty to do everything within our power to ensure that this precious and fragile opportunity - the peace plan presented by President Trump - succeeds."

BRITISH PRIME MINISTER KEIR STARMER

"Today, we mark two years since the horrifying attacks on Israel by Hamas terrorists...Time does not diminish the evil we saw that day. The worst attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. 

"Our priority in the Middle East remains the same – release the hostages. Surge aid into Gaza. And a ceasefire that can lead to a lasting and just peace as a step towards a two-state solution. A safe and secure Israel, alongside a viable Palestinian state."

SWEDISH PRIME MINISTER ULF KRISTERSSON

"It has now been exactly two years since Hamas' horrific terrorist attack on ... completely civilian Israelis – families, women, children and dancing youth. It was the worst mass murder of Jews since the Holocaust.

"Since then, Jews in Sweden have testified that they feel unsafe in their own country. My message is: There is no place for antisemitism in Sweden. Jews in Sweden should be able to proudly wear the Star of David, visit the synagogue and leave their children in Jewish schools. All Swedish Jews should know that we stand behind you."

NORWEGIAN FOREIGN MINISTER ESPEN BARTH EIDE

"Two years have passed since Hamas’ brutal terrorist attack against Israel and the Jewish people ... My thoughts are with all those affected on that painful day, and with everyone still living with the deep trauma and lasting repercussions.

"The events of October 7, 2023 also marked the beginning of the ensuing devastating warfare in Gaza. Every country has the right to defend itself against terrorism. Equally important, such defence must be conducted in accordance with international law, humanitarian law, and human rights ... Israel’s response to the October 7 attacks has gone far beyond the limits set by these rules. Gaza lies in ruins and the Palestinian population has been subjected to unimaginable suffering."

DANISH PRIME MINISTER METTE FREDERIKSEN

"Today marks two years since armed Hamas terrorists crossed the Israeli border early in the morning. Murdered innocent families. Slaughtered partying youth at a music festival in cold blood. Took more than 250 hostages.

"And it's been two years since Netanyahu launched his war in Gaza. What was initially a legitimate Israeli self-defence now also involves preventing a Palestinian state from ever becoming a reality ... But the Palestinians – like Israel – have a right to their own land. They have the right to life, freedom and personal security."

STATEMENT BY HAMAS AND OTHER MILITANT GROUPS

"The choice of resistance by all means is the sole and only way to confront the Zionist enemy."

ISRAEL'S HOSTAGES AND MISSING FAMILIES FORUM

"Two years ago..., our lives changed forever. Terrorists invaded our communities, parties, and bases, murdering, raping, injuring, and kidnapping hundreds of innocent people. Forty-eight of our loved ones are still there, held captive.

"For us, and for the people of Israel who have taken to the streets week after week for two years, each of these 48 souls is a world unto themselves. Every single one of them must come home. The living need rehabilitation, and the deceased deserve burial in their homeland.

"We are profoundly grateful to President Trump for his unwavering dedication and leadership. His deal gives us renewed hope that this nightmare may finally end and our loved ones will come home."