UN says renewed Gaza violence makes hostage return more distant

The United Nations said on Thursday that each day of renewed violence in Gaza makes the return of the remaining hostages held there a more distant objective.

U.N. Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East Khaled Khiari said the return to hostilities threatens all civilians, including hostages, of whom 24 are thought still to be alive.

With every passing day, we move further away from the objective of returning the remaining hostages safely to their homes, Khiari told a U.N. Security Council briefing.

At least 91 more Palestinians were killed and dozens wounded in airstrikes across Gaza on Thursday, in addition to hundreds killed since Israeli strikes resumed on Tuesday, Gazas health ministry said.

Israels U.N. ambassador Danny Danon told the meeting the strikes on what he called Hamas terror targets would continue until every last hostage is home.

Acting U.S. Representative to the UN Dorothy Shea blamed Hamas for the resumption of hostilities by refusing time and time again to accept proposals to extend the ceasefire.

President Trump has been clear: Hamas must release all 59 hostages immediately – including American citizens ... or pay a steep price, she said. We continue to stand with Israel as they defend themselves and push to secure the release of all hostages from Hamas captivity.

Shea appeared in front of reporters before the Security Council meeting with Eli Sharabi, an Israeli hostage who was released on February 8, only to discover that his British-born wife and two daughters had been killed in the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023.

Sharabi, who also addressed the Security Council, said he had been held mostly underground for 491 days and treated worse than an animal, chained, starved, and beaten, humiliated.

Ive come back from hell, he said.

Sharabi said the United Nations and the Red Cross