UN demands release of hostages, calls for protection and support for Gaza civilians
Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Edem Wosornu, Executive Director of the Humanitarian Coordination Unit, OCHAis holding a press conference with ambassadors in Security Councilamid the recovery of the bodies of six hostages killed in Gaza and a polio vaccination campaign that began at the weekend.
The emergency meeting was requested – separately – by both Algeria and Israel. According to media reports, Israel asked the Council to condemn Hamas in the strongest possible terms and address the plight of the hostages still being held.
Algeria reportedly requested the meeting to discuss the deteriorating situation in Gaza and the West Bank.
Next month will mark a sad year for October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups in southern Israel, in which more than 1,250 Israelis and foreigners were killed and about 250 were kidnapped and taken to Gaza.
At least 101 hostages – including some of the remains of those declared dead – remain in Gaza, which is suffering from a relentless Israeli military offensive that has killed more than 41,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities.
Sad news
Ms. DiCarlo recalled meeting last November with the parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, one of the hostages killed.
She said the Israeli government said the hostages were shot multiple times at close range and were killed by Hamas shortly before Israeli soldiers could reach them inside a tunnel in Rafah.
After recovering the bodies, Hamas claimed that militants guarding hostages in buildings and tunnels in Gaza had received new instructions to kill the hostages before Israeli forces could rescue them alive, she added.
“I repeat the Secretary-General’s words once again: all hostages must be released immediately and unconditionally.Mrs. DiCarlo repeated.
“During their detention, in accordance with their international legal obligations, they must be treated humanely and be allowed visits and assistance from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).”
Ms. DiCarlo also provided updates on the situation in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, including the latest on large-scale Israeli military operations, settler attacks, and Palestinian armed violence against Israelis.
‘No limit’ to brutality
During a press conference alongside Ms. DiCarlo, Ms. Wosornu highlighted the death and destruction across the Gaza Strip, declaring “The brutality of this conflict seems to know no bounds.“ .
“We see this in the many attacks that have harmed humanitarian workers: 295 humanitarian workers have been killed since October 7. [2023]”, she added.
Several humanitarian assets, including several UN vehicles, “were directly attacked in more than a dozen separate incidents despite being notified of their movements,” she said.
Ms Wosornu cited the consequences of this, limiting the delivery of life-saving aid to those in dire need, such as the temporary suspension of the movement of staff from the United Nations World Food Programme (World Food Programme) after an attack on their convoy last week.
Overview of the Security Council meeting.
Polio halted, rare ray of hope
Both UN officials welcomed the temporary pause in local humanitarian operations, allowing for the deployment of an emergency polio vaccination campaign.
“Polio halt is rare ray of hope and humanity amid Gaza horrorMs. DiCarlo said, noting that images of children being vaccinated amid devastation were “both moving and heartbreaking.”
She added that agreements established between UN agencies and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to halt military operations in designated vaccination areas “have so far been respected.”
Humanity remains
Ms Wosornu further noted that humanitarians – despite enormous challenges – remain on the ground, providing essential assistance, including food, shelter and protection, as best they can.
Food rations are being distributed, albeit to a lesser extent, with flour being given priority to 14 bakeries supported by humanitarian organizations.
Tents are also being distributed, although they are not enough to meet the needs of families who have been displaced multiple times, especially as cold and rainy weather approaches.
Turn promises into reality
She urged the Security Council “to make promises come true and end suffering“ .
“We once again call on Council members and all Member States to achieve an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, and to de-escalate the situation in the West Bank,” she urged.
“Resolutions passed by this Council promised an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. They also called for the release of hostages. Yet months later, violence continues, thousands more have been killed and hostages have been separated from their families.”
