Brussels, 7 October 2024 (dpa/MIA) -- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that "our hearts are also with the Jewish communities across the world" on the first anniversary of the terrorist attack on Israel by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas.

"On this tragic anniversary, I want to honour the memories of the victims," she said in a written statement, adding that the EU "stands with all the innocent people whose lives have been shattered to the core since that fateful day."

Hamas' attack "brought immense suffering not only upon the people of Israel, but also upon innocent Palestinians."

Von der Leyen reiterated the EU's call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the unconditional release of all hostages.

She also pledged financial assistance and humanitarian aid for the Palestinian people and for Lebanon.

Anti-Semitic incidents were on the rise, von der Leyen said, promising more resources to tackle the issue.