NEW YORK – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres renewed his urgent call for an immediate, permanent ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining hostages, stressing that hostages must be treated humanely and with dignity the UN News Center reported.
“He calls on all parties to immediately ensure rapid, unhindered, and safe humanitarian relief, including the delivery of critical services, for all civilians in need. Aid is not negotiable,” UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric in a statement.
The Secretary-General also commended the sustained mediation efforts of Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to bring an end to the fighting.
Guterres welcomed the release of a hostage held in Gaza and renewed his call for a permanent ceasefire and greater humanitarian access to the war-torn enclave.
Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old American-Israeli national and soldier with the Israeli army, had been held by Hamas since the 7 October 2023 attacks on Israel in which roughly 1,200 people were killed and another 250 taken hostage.
He is believed to be the last living American held by militants in Gaza, according to media reports.
The Secretary-General “is profoundly relieved that Mr. Alexander has been freed and is now returning to his family and loved ones after this harrowing ordeal,” said Dujarric.
He urged “all parties to build on today’s release to reach a comprehensive agreement that will ensure the release of all hostages, an end to the hostilities, the provision of humanitarian aid and the long-overdue alleviation of the human suffering in Gaza,” the statement concluded.
