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- Secretary-General Statements [dup 827]
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on the situation in the Middle East
27 November 2023, New York
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on the situation in the Middle East
Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General
Seven weeks of hostilities in Gaza and Israel have taken an appalling toll that has shocked the world. For the past four days, the guns have fallen silent. We have seen the release of Israeli and foreign hostages held by Hamas and others since 7 October, and the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.
The Secretary General commends the Governments of Qatar, Egypt and the United States for facilitating this arrangement and he recognizes the critical role of the International Committee of the Red Cross. The United Nations will continue to support these efforts in every possible way.
During these four days, the United Nations has scaled up the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza and sent aid to some northern areas that have been largely cut off for weeks. But this aid barely registers against the huge needs of 1.7 million displaced people. The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is getting worse by the day.
The dialogue that led to the agreement must continue, resulting in a full humanitarian ceasefire, for the benefit of the people of Gaza, Israel and the wider region. The Secretary General once again calls for the remaining hostages to be released immediately and unconditionally.
He urges all States to use their influence to end this tragic conflict and support irreversible steps towards the only sustainable future for the region: a two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side, in peace and security.
- Statements by the UN Special Coordinator
Statement by UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, on the implementation of 22 November agreement
Statement by UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process,
Tor Wennesland, on the implementation of 22 November agreement
Jerusalem, 24 November 2023
“I welcome today's start to the implementation of the agreement reached on Wednesday (22 November) which saw the release of 13 Israeli hostages abducted by Hamas and others on 7 October, and the release of 39 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli prisons. I also welcome the release of a number of foreign workers held in Gaza. I look forward to additional releases expected over the coming days.
Today’s humanitarian pause went into effect with relative calm allowing truckloads of aid to go into Gaza.
These developments are a significant humanitarian breakthrough that we need to build on.
More assistance and supplies must enter the Strip safely and continuously to alleviate the immense suffering of civilians.
I reiterate my call for the release of all hostages held by Hamas and others in Gaza.
I highly appreciate and commend the Governments of Qatar, Egypt, and the United States for their determined efforts to facilitate this agreement.
I call on all concerned parties to uphold their commitments and refrain from provocations or any actions that could impact the full implementation of this agreement.
I also urge the parties to exhaust every effort to achieve an extended humanitarian ceasefire and pursue a more peaceful future.”
[ENDs]