UN Chief Condemns Hamas' Handling of Hostages' Remains
Hamas announced on Thursday that the bodies returned to Tel Aviv included those of a mother and her two children from the Bibas family, along with 84-year-old peace activist Oded Lifshitz.
This marks the first instance of Hamas handing over the remains of hostages taken during the terror attacks of October 7, 2023. The return follows a ceasefire agreement with Israel that took effect last month.
UN Condemnation
During a press briefing in New York, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric emphasized that, under international law, the transfer of deceased individuals must uphold the dignity of both the victims and their families.
“The Secretary-General condemns the parading of bodies and the display of coffins in the manner seen this morning. Such actions are abhorrent and appalling,” Dujarric stated.
Need for Ceasefire Continuation
The UN Secretary-General reiterated his call for all parties involved in the fragile ceasefire process to honor their commitments and fully implement the agreement.
Meanwhile, six hostages are set to be released on Saturday.
Hamas previously claimed in November 2023 that Shiri Bibas and her two sons had died in an Israeli airstrike, though no evidence was provided. Following the news of the body transfers, Israelis in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square observed a minute of silence.
Expressing national grief, Israeli President Isaac Herzog stated, “The hearts of an entire nation lie in tatters.”
Respect for the Deceased
The UN chief urged all sides in the conflict to respect and return the remains of the dead to their families.
“It is vital that the remains of deceased individuals be treated with dignity and returned in accordance with international humanitarian and human rights laws,” emphasized Dujarric.
The UN has consistently called for the release of all hostages, a lasting ceasefire, and concrete steps toward a two-state solution.
Humanitarian Aid in Gaza Increases
During a visit to southern Gaza on Thursday, UN Humanitarian Coordinator Muhannad Hadi and IOM chief Amy Pope met with local humanitarian workers and UN agency leaders to assess urgent needs.
According to Dujarric, humanitarian aid efforts continue to expand, with nearly all affected individuals receiving food parcels, including monthly rations for most families.
Polio Vaccination Efforts
Preparations are underway for the third round of polio vaccinations in Gaza, set to resume on Saturday.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF have warned that Gaza’s dire conditions—particularly overcrowded shelters and damaged sanitation infrastructure—create an ideal environment for the poliovirus to spread.
Additionally, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) has distributed approximately 2,400 postpartum kits to hospitals providing maternity care over the past two weeks.
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