Thank you, Mr. President. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield addressed the UN Security Council regarding the Middle East situation on March 11, 2024. She welcomed Minister Katz, Israel's Foreign Affairs Minister, and thanked SRSG Patten and her team for their report.
The report highlighted acts of conflict-related sexual violence by Hamas on October 7. "On October 7, Hamas, a terrorist organization, carried out horrific acts of conflict-related sexual violence, including rape and gang rape," stated Thomas-Greenfield.
The ambassador emphasized the importance of acknowledging these events: "And yet, so many people around the world...have been silent in the face of these atrocities."
She read from the UN’s report: “The mission team found that several fully naked or partially naked bodies from the waist down were recovered.”
Thomas-Greenfield urged council members to condemn Hamas’ actions: "I urge all Council members to continually, unequivocally condemn Hamas’ terrorist acts."
Regarding the West Bank findings: “Stakeholders indicated that the detention of Palestinian men and women has been compounded by alleged instances of cruel...treatment,” she added.
She called for accountability from all parties involved: "All parties to this conflict must uphold their obligations under international law."
Thomas-Greenfield recommended Israel sign a Framework of Cooperation with SRSG-SVC to ensure justice for victims.
The ongoing nature of violence was noted: “Clear and convincing information that some hostages have been subjected to various forms of conflict-related sexual violence.”
She called on member states to demand hostage releases by Hamas and mentioned Hadar Goldin's remains need returning.
A ceasefire deal is encouraged: "This Council must call on Hamas to agree to the ceasefire deal on the table."
A resolution by the United States aims at peace negotiations and condemns Hamas. The ambassador expressed commitment to consensus-building around this resolution.
Looking ahead, Thomas-Greenfield mentioned an upcoming SRSG report expected to show increased global conflict-related sexual violence incidents.
"Our charge has never been more clear," she concluded about combating such violence globally.