Tensions Escalate as Israel Marks Anniversary of Hamas Attack, UN Appeals for Hostage Release

Tel Aviv, October 6 – As the Middle East faces increasing threats of a full-scale war, Israel remains on high alert one year after the deadly Hamas attack. On Sunday, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued an urgent appeal, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. He also urged the International Committee of the Red Cross to be granted access to the captives.

In a video message shared on social media, Guterres expressed deep concern over the October 7 attack, which he said "shook the very soul." He honored the memory of those brutally killed and those subjected to unimaginable violence, including sexual violence.

Notably, on October 3, Israel made global headlines by banning Guterres from entering the country. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz criticized the UN chief for failing to condemn the Hamas and Iran-led assault on Israel last year. Katz stated that anyone who does not denounce such actions is not welcome in the country.

Israel remains highly vigilant ahead of the one-year anniversary of the October 7 attack. According to Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, an Israeli military spokesperson, there are heightened concerns about potential assaults, but Israel is prepared for any situation.

400 Hezbollah Fighters Killed in Four Days: Israel

Overnight, Israeli forces continued their assault on Beirut, considered a stronghold of Iran-backed Hezbollah. The Israeli army claims that over 400 Hezbollah fighters have been killed in southern Lebanon since launching a ground operation four days ago. According to Israeli sources, 440 militants, including 30 high-ranking commanders, have been eliminated in air and ground strikes. The Israeli military has also renewed its call for civilians to evacuate Beirut’s southern suburbs.

Speculation Grows Over Death of Hezbollah Leader's Successor

There is growing speculation that Hashem Safieddine, considered the likely successor of slain Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, has been killed. Safieddine has reportedly been out of contact since Friday. Israel targeted southern Beirut in a major strike on Thursday night, possibly aimed at eliminating Safieddine.

Major Operations Against Hamas

On October 7 last year, Hamas militants launched a devastating attack on Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking a significant number of Israeli citizens hostage. In response, Israel launched a large-scale operation to secure the release of the hostages and eliminate Hamas militants. Over the past year, Israel’s Defense Forces (IDF) have continued their campaign, which has resulted in more than 41,000 deaths, with Gaza being one of the most affected areas, forcing millions to flee their homes.

Israel Expands Operations to Target Hezbollah

Amid ongoing military actions in Gaza, Israel has also initiated air and ground operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Following the deaths of Hezbollah leader Nasrallah and many of its top commanders, the conflict between Iran and Israel appears far from over, with both sides vowing to continue their fight.