Gaza: Security Council meets on hostage crisis amid unbearable conditions facing Palestinian civilians As conditions in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel continue to deteriorate, a senior UN official upheld the need for a political solution to the crisis in Gaza that can lead to a lasting peace between the two peoples.
According to EMM, Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenca briefed a Security Council meeting on Tuesday called by Israel to discuss the plight of hostages still being held in the war-ravaged enclave. This meeting follows the release of distressing images and videos by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, showing two emaciated hostages, Evaytar David and Rom Braslavsky, prompting widespread condemnation. Mr. Jenca also acknowledged the emotional testimony of Ilay David, brother to one of the hostages, who participated in the meeting via videoconference.
Mr. Jenca highlighted the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, noting that 50 hostages are still being held under dire conditions, with reports of 28 deceased. He referred to international law, stating that hostage-taking constitutes a war crime and emphasized the importance of humane treatment for all detainees, urging the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to be allowed access to them.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with more than 60,000 Palestinians killed since the conflict began, according to local health authorities. Since May, there have been over 1,200 Palestinian deaths and more than 8,100 injuries related to attempts to access food supplies. Mr. Jenca criticized Israel's severe restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza, describing the existing conditions as inhumane and the aid provided as inadequate.
Hunger is pervasive in Gaza, visible in the faces of children and the desperation of parents risking their lives for basic necessities. Mr. Jenca reiterated the UN Secretary-General’s condemnation of the ongoing violence and urged Israel to facilitate the rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief to avert further suffering. He also expressed concern over reports of potential military expansion by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, warning that such actions could have catastrophic consequences for Palestinians and endanger hostages' lives.
Mr. Jenca concluded by stressing there is no military solution to the Gaza or broader Israel-Palestine conflict. He called for the establishment of political and security frameworks to address the humanitarian crisis, ensure security for both Israelis and Palestinians, and achieve a sustainable two-State solution with Jerusalem as the capital of both states.
