UN Special Rapporteur Calls for Release of Hostages in Gaza, Condemns Torture and Inhuman Treatment

Edwards condemned the recent killing of six Israeli hostages and stressed that hostage-taking is an internationally unlawful act, amounting to torture and inhuman treatment.

UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Alice Jill Edwards, has called for the unconditional release of all hostages in Gaza and an immediate halt to hostilities in the ongoing war. Edwards condemned the recent killing of six Israeli hostages and stressed that hostage-taking is an internationally unlawful act, amounting to torture and inhuman treatment.

"Hostages must never be used as bargaining chips," Edwards said, noting that the uncertainty faced by families awaiting the fate of their loved ones is a form of prohibited torture, as recognized by international courts. She highlighted the suffering endured by families of the 97 hostages still missing since their abduction on October 7 last year by Hamas and other armed groups. Reportedly, 35 of these hostages have perished.

In a recent briefing in Geneva, Edwards met with former hostages Chen Almog-Goldstein and her daughter Agam, who were held in Gaza for 51 days. She also met with Ayelet Levy Schachar, whose daughter Naama Levy remains unaccounted for.

Expressing concern about allegations of sexual violence against female hostages, Edwards emphasized the increasing threats to the hostages' lives and urged swift action to secure their release. She reiterated her call for the humane treatment and release of all Palestinians arbitrarily detained, having communicated with both the Palestinian Authority and Hamas on this issue.

Edwards stressed that the conflict, which has claimed tens of thousands of lives, must be fully investigated, with accountability enforced for all perpetrators. She called on UN Member States to help end the suffering of both Palestinians and Israelis, reminding all parties of their obligation to adhere to international humanitarian law and human rights standards.