Stubb for immediate ceasefire in Middle East

President Alexander Stubb on Monday underscored the need for immediate ceasefire in Middle East without any excuse.

In a post on his social media platform X on the first anniversary of Hamas' attack on Israel, the President also demanded release of the hostages and ensuring access to humanitarian aid.

“A year after Hamas' shocking attack on Israel there's a risk of escalation in the Middle East. The hostages must be released and access to humanitarian aid ensured. An immediate ceasefire is needed. In the longer term, the conflict must be resolved in a sustainable manner. International law holds the key to a solution that would keep both Palestinians and Israelis safe. We must find a solution. There are no more excuses,” Stubb wrote in the post.

Israelis on Monday marked the first anniversary of Hamas' deadly assault last October, an attack that left southern communities in shock, ignited a war, and fueled fears of a wider Middle East conflict, reported Xinhua.

Over 1,200 people were killed in the initial attack, with 251 kidnapped. Israeli officials say 101 hostages remain in Gaza, about half of whom are believed to have died in captivity.

The assault and its aftermath have had a lasting impact, as Israel continues its military operations in Gaza.

Health authorities in Gaza have reported nearly 42,000 were killed in Israeli attacks, most of them women and children since the October attack.