The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to meet on Tuesday to address the ongoing Gaza conflict and the situation of hostages held by Hamas, as the humanitarian crisis in the region intensifies and efforts to negotiate a cease-fire remain stalled.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced on Monday that Israel requested the meeting to focus specifically on the hostages after Hamas released videos over the weekend showing two severely malnourished Israeli captives. Israel estimates that approximately 20 hostages are still alive in Gaza, alongside the remains of 30 others.
The Security Council’s session comes amid a worsening humanitarian emergency in Gaza after nearly two years of conflict between Israel and Hamas. The Gaza Ministry of Health reports that numerous Palestinians have died from malnutrition-related causes. The U.N. World Food Program notes that almost 40 percent of Gaza’s two million residents have gone multiple days without food.
Several humanitarian organizations and countries, including some of Israel’s longstanding allies, have criticized Israeli policies, particularly the blockade imposed from March to May, for exacerbating the crisis by restricting aid entry. Additionally, nations such as Britain, Canada, and France have announced intentions to formally recognize a Palestinian state.
According to Gaza health officials, over 60,000 people have lost their lives in the conflict, including thousands of children. The ministry does not differentiate between civilian and combatant casualties. The majority of Gaza’s population has been displaced, often forced into overcrowded tent camps amid widespread destruction.
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