NEW YORK: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed the release of a hostage in Gaza and reiterated his calls for a permanent ceasefire and the restoration of humanitarian access to the region.
The Secretary-General said he was delighted to see American hostage Aiden Alexander released from Gaza and reunited with his family after a horrific ordeal. The immediate release of the remaining hostages and the establishment of a future ceasefire in Gaza are essential. All hostages must be treated humanely and with dignity. Aiden Alexander, 21, is a dual US-Israeli citizen and was serving in the Israeli army before he was kidnapped in a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. He is believed to be the last surviving American prisoner held by Palestinian militants in Gaza. The Secretary-General, in a statement issued by his spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, urged all parties to the conflict to ensure the immediate, rapid, unhindered and safe delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza. The provision of assistance to civilians is essential and cannot be compromised.
He also commended the ongoing efforts by Egypt, Qatar and the United States to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza. The Secretary-General urged all parties to use today’s release to reach a comprehensive agreement that would allow the return of all hostages and a ceasefire, open the way for the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza and alleviate the suffering of the people. It should be recalled that food security experts have warned that the entire population of Gaza is at risk of famine. If the fighting continues and humanitarian assistance cannot be restored, the lives of civilians will be at risk.
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