The United Nations on Thursday stated that each day of renewed violence in Gaza makes the return of the remaining hostages held there a more distant objective.
UN Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Khaled Khiari, made this statement during a UN Security Council briefing.
Khiari added that the resumption of hostilities threatens all civilians, including hostages, of whom 24 are believed to still be alive.
“With every passing day, we move further away from the objective of returning the remaining hostages safely to their homes,” Khiari said.
Gaza’s health ministry reported that at least 91 more Palestinians were killed and dozens wounded in airstrikes across Gaza on Thursday, in addition to the hundreds killed since Israeli strikes resumed on Tuesday.
Acting US Representative to the UN, Dorothy Shea, blamed Hamas for the resumption of hostilities, stating that they had repeatedly refused proposals to extend the ceasefire.
“President Trump has been clear: Hamas must release all 59 hostages immediately – including American citizens or pay a steep price. We continue to stand with Israel as they defend themselves and push to secure the release of all hostages from Hamas captivity,” she said.
