UN human rights expert calls for immediate release of all Israeli hostages
Alice Edwards, United Nations Human Rights Council– The appointed special rapporteur on torture also condemned the killing of six Israeli hostages earlier this month and called for an immediate end to hostilities on all fronts.
About 250 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage in the October 7, 2023 terrorist attack carried out by Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups in southern Israel, which also killed more than 1,250 people, including women and children.
Ninety-seven hostages remain missing, believed to be held in Gaza, which has been under heavy Israeli military assault since the attack.
The threat is increasing over time.
“As time goes on, the threats to the lives and safety of the hostages have increased, and the urgency of action to secure their release and end the war has increased,” Ms. Edwards said in a press release.
She also voiced “deep concern” about reports that some female hostages had been subjected to sexual violence.
“I believe that only when we can empathize with all those affected by this terrible armed conflict can peace be achieved. Human rights apply to everyone without any distinction.”
The Special Rapporteur spoke after meeting with the released hostages and the families of those still missing.
In southern Israel, rescue workers stand on a street that suffered significant damage during an attack by Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups on October 7, 2023.
Cruel and painful conflict
Ms Edwards described the ongoing conflict as “devastating and deeply painful”, claiming tens of thousands of lives.
“The commission of international crimes in all their forms and by all perpetrators must be fully, independently and impartially investigated, and those responsible must face the maximum penalty,” she said, stressing that all UN member states “must work to end the torment of Palestinians and Israelis without further delay.”
The Special Rapporteur has been involved in many aspects of the conflict, including sending communications to the Palestinian Authority and Hamas regarding the hostages.
She also spoke to the Israeli authorities about allegations of torture and ill-treatment of Palestinian detainees, calling for their humane and respectful treatment, as well as their prompt release if arbitrarily detained.
Independent Expert
The Special Rapporteur is mandated to monitor and report on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment worldwide.
Ms. Edwards, who has held the position since July 2022, is independent of the United Nations system and serves in her personal capacity. She is not a UN employee and does not receive a salary for her work.
