STATEMENT BY
H.E. DR. MICHEAL IMRAN KANU
AMBASSADOR AND PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE
Madam President,
I thank Mr. Khaled Khiari, for his important briefing. I also thank Mr. Eli (Eliyahu) Sharabi for his bravery in sharing his compelling personal and tragic testimony with us. Our deepest condolences on the loss of your family.
We acknowledge the letters dated 14th and 18th March 2025 from the Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations (S/2025/162 and S/2025/171), regarding the plight of the hostages and their tragic humanitarian situation.
One undeniable reality of the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip is its devastating toll on civilians both in Israel and in Gaza. Since the attack on 7th October 2023, hostages and civilians have endured extreme suffering, with severe humanitarian consequences. As the Council focuses on hostage-taking today. The unacceptable attack resulted in the abduction by Hamas and other armed groups of 250 individuals, men, women, and children, ranging in age from nine months to eighty-five years. Categorically, this act constitutes a grave violation of international law.
Article 34 of the Fourth Geneva Convention (1949) explicitly prohibits hostage-taking. This prohibition has crystalized into a rule of customary international law, as recognized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in its study on customary international humanitarian law, under rule 96.
While the first phase of the ceasefire led to the release of 38 hostages, some of whom tragically perished in captivity, we remain deeply concerned that 59 individuals are still being held hostage. Their condition, medical needs, and access to humanitarian aid are unknown, with the ICRC still being denied access.
In light of the unimaginable pain and suffering endured by the hostages and their families, Sierra Leone reiterates its firm and unequivocal demand for their immediate and unconditional release, as previously called for by this Council in resolutions 2712 (2023), 2720 (2023), 2728 (2024), and 2735 (2024).
We also note the endorsement in Security Council resolution 2735 (2024) of the agreed terms for the release of Palestinian detainees, and call for the release of thousands of Palestinians detained in the State of Israel without trial, access, or proper care, in violation of international law and their fundamental rights and dignity.
We emphasize that the release of hostages and detainees must be conducted with dignity, and the ICRC must be granted immediate access in accordance with international humanitarian law to provide medical and humanitarian assistance.
As we extend our deepest sympathies to the families of all victims of this conflict, including the hostages, we stress the importance of investigating violations, including allegations of mistreatment and abuse of hostages and detainees. Accountability must be ensured for all grave violations committed in the context of this conflict, including those arising from the ongoing occupation of Palestinian territories.
Madam President,
As the Security Council convenes to address yet another tragic aspect of the decades-long conflict, the Palestinian struggle for self-determination, and the 7th October 2023 escalation, reports indicate that the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have carried out predawn attacks in northern and southern Gaza, killing over 70 Palestinians, including women and children. This comes just one day after more than 400 Palestinians, including 183 children, were killed following the Government of Israel’s breach of the ceasefire. As briefed by ASG Khiari one UNOPS and 5 UNWRA staff members were also killed.
As a Council, we must continue to collectively work to end the conflict, this layer of tragedies. We must support efforts to protect civilians in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank, and strive relentlessly towards a peaceful and sustainable resolution of the conflict. The recent post-ceasefire escalation of violence has already resulted in hundreds of casualties, and continued diplomatic engagement is essential to return to the ceasefire agreement and address outstanding issues.
In closing, we must reiterate that hostage-taking is a grave violation of international law, and it triggers responsibilities from armed groups, States, and the international community. It demands immediate action for the protection, release and legal accountability of all involved parties.
We also reiterate our call for a just and lasting political solution to this conflict, the immediate and full restoration of humanitarian aid access, respect for international law, the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers, and a resolution that ensures security and coexistence for both Israelis and Palestinians living side by side in peace and tranquillity.
I thank you.
