United Nations – 244 –
Israel & Gaza: UN Calls for Immediate Release of Hostages Amid Crisis – SC Briefing | United Nations
Summary
456seconds video
The briefing to the Security Council highlighted the dire humanitarian situation of hostages in Gaza. It began by acknowledging Ali Sharabi’s personal tragedy and extended condolences to families impacted by the 7 October attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian groups in Israel. The United Nations condemned these acts, emphasizing the need for the immediate and unconditional release of hostages and their humane treatment according to humanitarian principles. While a temporary ceasefire led to the release of some hostages, the resumption of hostilities on 18 March has worsened the situation, causing further casualties, including UN staff. The UN calls for protecting civilians, respecting humanitarian laws, and resuming negotiations for peace. The organization remains committed to supporting efforts for peace and a two-state solution with Jerusalem as a capital for both Israel and Palestine. The Secretary General urges the immediate release of hostages to alleviate the conflict’s impact.
Full Script
Madam President, members of the Security Council, thank you for the opportunity to brief the Council regarding the humanitarian situation faced by the remaining hostages in Gaza. I would like at the outset to recognize Mr. Ali Sharabi and his unimaginable experience of pain and his remarkable resilience in the face of such immense loss. I extend to him my condolences for the tragic loss of his dear family, wife, two daughters, and a brother. I pay him all hostages, living and deceased, and their families and loved ones my deepest respect and support. I again extend my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families who lost their family members and loved ones during and after the horrific attack by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups in Israel on 7 October 2023. The United Nations continued to, adequately, condemn the appalling acts of terror that took place on 7 October, and continued holding of hostages in Gaza. Nothing can justify the intentional killing, torture, sexual violence, and destruction. Their families’ murderage, burned in their homes, taken hostage. The events of that horrific day will not be forgotten. The participation in Security Council meetings of surviving hostages and their heart-wrenching testimonies and many months of agony serve as a stark reminder, but also as a crucial symbol of endurance and hope for those still waiting to see their loved ones back home. Since the attacks, the Secretary General, other senior UN officials, have regularly met with the families of hostages and have been deeply moved by their stories and by the torment and anguish they have endured. President and President, this fire and hostages release deal that took effect on 19 January, offered glimmer of hope and respite by reuniting 25 Israeli hostages with their loved ones and returning the remains of eight deceased hostages who were killed on 7 October or while in captivity to their families. Their release and return were sadly also a moment of great anxiety as most of the living hostages were paraded in front of crows and the coffins of the deceased, including those of two young children who were killed in captivity, were displayed publicly by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups during appalling ceremonies that violated international law. The United Nations has repeatedly condemned the parading of coffins containing the bodies of dead Israeli hostages and public displays accompanying the release of living and deceased hostages, including statements made under duress. As of today, at least 59 hostages, alive and deceased, including Ellie’s brother body, Yossi Sharabi, are still being held captive by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups. The testimonies of those released provide terrifying accounts of their captivity, including physical and psychological torture, sexual violence and deprivation, indicating that those left behind continue to suffer in horrific conditions, exposed to trauma and suffering since their abduction. The hostages must be released immediately and unconditionally. Until their release, they must be allowed to receive visits and support from the International Committee of the Red Cross, and they must be treated with dignity and respect in line with humanitarian principles. Madam President, the resumption of hostilities on 18 March adds further despair and uncertainty for those remaining hostages, their families and their loved ones. This resumption of hostilities amid significant Israeli strikes in Gaza has also been devastating for the civilian population in the street. Hundreds of Palestinians have been killed, including women and children. Since the resumption of hostilities, one United Nations Office for Project Services, UNOP, staff member, has also been killed, and several have been injured. Commissioner General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency Lazarini also informed that in the past few days, another five UNRWA staff have been confirmed killed. I reiterate that civilians must be protected, including personnel. The rights and dignity of all those affected by the conflict, whether in Israel, the occupied Palestinian territory, or elsewhere, must be respected and protected. We call on all parties to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law. The return to hostilities threatens our civilian in Gaza. I echo the Secretary General’s call for the resumption of serious negotiations for the ceasefire to be respected, for unimpeded humanitarian assistance to be reestablished, and for the remaining hostages to be released immediately and unconditionally. With every passing day, we move further away from the objective of returning the remaining hostages safely to their homes. This was also very clear from the rescued hostages. Ms. Noah Argamini’s remarks to the Council last month, where she told us that every moment under captivity was lived in danger. The resumed hostilities in Gaza compounded with a lack of access and rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation are exposing the remaining hostages to constant danger and life-threatening conditions. As you and the Secretary General fletched a brief view earlier this week, a renewed ceasefire is the best way of protecting civilians in Gaza in the occupied Palestinian territory and in Israel, releasing hostages and detainees and allowing aid and commercial supplies in. We remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting human rights, defending humanitarian principles, and supporting all efforts that promote peace, stability, and the more hopeful future for all people in the Middle East. We are also convinced that the only path to durable peace will be achieved when Israel and Palestine live side by side in peace and security, in line with international law and relevant UN resolutions with Jerusalem as the capital of both states. The United Nations stands ready to do all it can to support the parties in reaching that objective, and it will continue to do all it can to support and end to this suffering. Once again, I reiterate the Secretary General’s deep concern for this conflict’s unbearable impact on the victims and his urgent call for the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages. Thank you, Madam President. I thank Mr. Ghiati for his briefing.
United Nations