GENEVA - The images of people starving in Gaza are heart-rending and intolerable. That we have reached this stage is an affront to our collective humanity. It serves as yet another reminder that the violence must end once and for all. Saving lives must be everyone's priority.
Israel continues to restrict severely humanitarian assistance from entering Gaza, and the aid that is permitted to enter is nowhere near what is needed. Israel must immediately allow and facilitate rapid and unimpeded passage of sufficient amounts of humanitarian relief for civilians in need to avert further unnecessary suffering and loss of life. Denying civilians access to food may amount to a war crime, as well as potentially a crime against humanity.
The videos of emaciated Israeli hostages published by Palestinian armed groups are shocking, and I am appalled by their humiliating treatment. They should be allowed immediate assistance by the International Committee of the Red Cross.
I have repeated, time and again, that the hostages and all those arbitrarily detained must be immediately and unconditionally released. All those deprived of liberty must be treated humanely and never be used as bargaining chips.
Third States must refrain from contributing to violations of international law committed by any party to the conflict. They must use all possible leverage to prevent such violations and bring them to an end.
