An international official calls for the immediate release of the hostages and warns of the consequences of resuming the fighting in Gaza

This came during a Security Council session held today, Thursday, at the request of the United States, the United Kingdom and France, during which Khaled Khayari presented the Assistant Secretary -General of the United Nations for Middle East Affairs and Asia and the Pacific Ocean with a briefing on the humanitarian situation faced by the remaining hostages in Gaza.

The council also listened to Eli Sharabi, 53, who is one of the hostages released after 491 days of detention with Hamas, who lost his wife, two children and his brother.

Until the release of the hostages, Al -Khayari stressed the need to allow them to receive visits and support from the International Committee of the Red Cross, and that they be treated with dignity and respect for what is in line with humanitarian principles.

The UN official added that until today, at least 59 hostages, neighborhoods and dead, are still in detention with Hamas and other armed Palestinian factions, indicating that the testimonies of the released are progressing “Horrific accounts of their detention, including physical and psychological torture, sexual violence, and deprivation, indicates that those who left behind are still suffering in horrific conditions, and they are exposed to shocks and suffering since their kidnapping.”

Khaled Khakari added that the United Nations continues its conclusion to the horrific terrorist acts that took place on October 7 and the continued detention of the hostages in Gaza.

cease-fire

Al -Khayari said that the ceasefire and the release of the hostages – which came into effect on January 19 – was a glimmer of hope and comfort with the reunification of 25 Israeli hostages with their loved ones and the return of eight dead hostages – killed on October 7 or while they were detention – to their families.

Al -Khayari said that the release of the hostages and their return was a very concerned moment, “as most of the living hostages were shown in front of large crowds, and Hamas and other armed Palestinian groups offered the dead -dead people – including two wealthy children who were killed in detention – publicly during a termination ceremony that violated international law.”

He explained that the United Nations has repeatedly condemned the width of the coffins containing the dead Israeli hostages, and the public offers accompanying the release of the hostages and the dead, including making statements under duress.

The resumption of hostilities exacerbates despair and uncertainty

On the other hand, Khaled Kheari said that the resumption of hostilities on March 18 adds more despair and uncertainty among the remaining hostages, their families and their loved ones.

The resumption of hostilities – in the midst of large -scale Israeli air strikes in Gaza – also affected a devastating in the civilian population, noting the killing of hundreds of Palestinians, including women and children. An employee of the United Nations Office for Project Services was also killed and a number of others were wounded.

Al -Khayari quoted the Commissioner -General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) Philip Lazarini Confirmation of the killing of five other UNRWA employees During the past few days.

The necessity of protecting civilians

Al -Khayari reiterated the need to protect civilians, including United Nations staff. He also stressed the importance of respecting and protecting the rights and dignity of all those affected by the conflict – whether in Israel or the occupied Palestinian land or anywhere else.

He called on all parties to fulfill their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

He warned that the return of hostilities threatens all civilians in Gaza, and added: “I renew the Secretary -General’s invitation to resume serious negotiations in order to respect the ceasefire, to re -communicate humanitarian aid without obstacle, and to release the remaining hostages immediately and without restriction or condition. With the passage of every day, we move away more and more from the goal of returning the remaining hostages safe to their homes.”

Al -Khayari concluded his surname by saying: “We are convinced that the only way for permanent peace will be achieved when Israel and Palestine live alongside peace and security, in line with international law and related United Nations resolutions, with Jerusalem as the capital of both countries.”