Von der Leyen urges ceasefire, peace talks on anniversary of Hamas attacks

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has marked the second anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks with a call for peace and renewed efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

“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,” von der Leyen wrote on X, Caliber.Az reports.

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 honour their memory by working tirelessly for peace.

The immediate release of all hostages and a…

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) October 7, 2025

She emphasised that momentum is building for a ceasefire and the release of hostages, stating that both outcomes are now “within reach.”

Von der Leyen urged all parties to engage “constructively” in ongoing negotiations in Sharm el Sheikh, referencing a peace plan put forward by US President Donald Trump. She called the talks a critical opportunity that “must not be lost.”

The Commission President reiterated the EU’s support for a two-state solution, saying the current moment must be seized “to pave the way for a lasting peace in the region.”

On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, marking one of the deadliest days in the country’s history. The assault began early in the morning when thousands of rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip into southern and central Israel, while heavily armed Hamas fighters breached the border and carried out coordinated raids on Israeli towns and villages.

Hamas-led militants killed 1,200 Israelis on October 7, 2023, and took more than 250 people hostage. There are 48 remaining in Gaza, 20 of whom are believed to be alive.

By Sabina Mammadli