World leaders mark second anniversary since Oct. 7, call for end to war and hostage release

Numerous world leaders acknowledged on Tuesday the second anniversary of the Hamas attacks in southern Israel, with calls to end the war and the release of hostages.

"I have said it time and again, and I am repeating it today with even greater urgency: Release the hostages, unconditionally & immediately."

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that "We will never forget the horror of the Hamas attacks on 7 October and the pain they caused to innocent victims, their families and the entire people of Israel, two years ago.

"We honor their memory by working tirelessly for peace. The immediate release of all hostages and a ceasefire are now within reach. This opportunity must not be lost."

Leyen reaffirmed her support for a two-state solution and asked that all parties engage constructively the talks on US Donald Trump's 20-point peace plan.

Macron added that France is working tirelessly for the release of the remaining 48 hostages.

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

"Time does not diminish the evil we saw that day. The worst attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust," said UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. "The brutal, cold blooded torture and murder of Jews in their own homes. And the taking of hostages, including British citizens, some of whom remain in Gaza today.

"Since that awful day, so many have endured a living nightmare. When I spoke with some of the families of the British hostages, I promised them in person that we will not cease in our efforts to bring their loved ones home.

"But back here in the UK, our Jewish communities have also endured rising antisemitism on our streets, in our country. And last week, a horrifying terrorist attack on the holy day of Yom Kippur in Manchester. This is a stain on who we are, and this country will always stand tall and united against those who wish harm and hatred upon Jewish communities.

Starmer finished his statement by saying that the UK's priority still remains the release of the hostages, a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, a surge of aid into the Strip, and a pathway to a two-state solution.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said, "Our thoughts are with Jewish people in Israel, Australia and around the world as we mark two years since the horror of Hamas' October 7 attacks."

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also issued a statement on October 7, while also criticizing Israel: "This is the day to once again reiterate our resounding condemnation of terrorism in all its forms. To demand the immediate release of the Israeli hostages."

He also said that the world must call on Netanyahu "to stop the genocide against the Palestinians and open a humanitarian corridor. Dialogue and the consolidation of the two states are the only possible solution to end the conflict and achieve a future of peace."

Giorgia Meloni, Italy's prime minister, said that two years ago marked "Unspeakable crimes that make October 7 one of the darkest pages in history.

"Hamas' violence has triggered an unprecedented crisis in the Middle East." However, she then added that "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."

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said that "Today we pause to honor the victims of terror. We stand firmly against hatred and violence. As talks advance under the Trump plan, we urge all parties to act with courage and restraint: toward a lasting ceasefire, release of all hostages and a future of peace and security for all."

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said the attack 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," he continued. "My message is: In Sweden, there is no place for antisemitism. Jews in Sweden should be able to proudly wear the Star of David, visit the synagogue, and drop off their children at Jewish schools."