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Secretary-General's remarks at press encounter - on the situation in the Middle East

United Nations Secretary-General

25 October 2023

I am shocked by the misinterpretations by some of my statement yesterday in the Security Council - as if I was justifying acts of terror by Hamas.

This is false. It was the opposite.

In the beginning of my intervention yesterday, I clearly stated - and I quote:

"I have condemned unequivocally the horrifying and unprecedented 7 October acts of terror by Hamas in Israel.

Nothing can justify the deliberate killing, injuring and kidnapping of civilians - or the launching of rockets against civilian targets."

Indeed, I spoke of the grievances of the Palestinian people and in doing so, I also clearly stated, and I quote:

"But the grievances of the Palestinian people cannot justify the appalling attacks by Hamas."

And then I went on with my intervention referring to all my positions on all aspects of the Middle East crisis.

I believe I was necessary to set the record straight - especially out of respect to the victims and to their families.

Thank you.