Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Under-Secretary Fletcher and Director Jacome for your briefings.
The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to resolving the hostage situation in Gaza, highlighting efforts that led to New Jersey resident Edan Alexander's return home. This was achieved through President Trump's actions and military pressure from Israel on Hamas.
Hamas is accused of prolonging the conflict by not disarming or releasing hostages. The group is held responsible for initiating the war on October 7, 2023, and continuing hostilities. Despite proposals from the United States, Qatar, and Egypt aimed at releasing 58 hostages and restoring peace in Gaza, Hamas has rejected these initiatives.
A ceasefire could have been possible if Hamas had accepted these proposals, according to statements made during a recent United Nations Security Council briefing. "This conflict could end tomorrow if Hamas released the hostages," it was stated.
The call for Hamas to return all hostages continues as their decisions are blamed for ongoing violence. "They will not be left behind," said representatives concerning American citizens held captive.
The Security Council is urged to pressure Hamas into freeing Palestinians from what is described as tyranny while emphasizing that shielding them undermines Israel’s security without benefiting Palestinian lives.
Support for Israel’s right to self-defense was reiterated alongside acknowledgment of measures taken by Israel to minimize civilian casualties when targeting terrorists. There remains a focus on ensuring humanitarian aid reaches noncombatants in Gaza without benefitting Hamas.
An independent entity named the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has been established with mechanisms designed to deliver aid directly while preventing misuse by groups like Hamas or other criminal organizations. The foundation aims to ensure Palestinian civilians access necessary assistance securely.
Eli Sharabi's testimony highlighted previous incidents where aid intended for civilians ended up in tunnels controlled by captors, marking such behavior as unacceptable and pre-dating current conflicts since October 7, 2023.
Efforts continue with senior U.S. administration members working on modalities with Israel and engaging with humanitarian organizations willing to contribute constructively toward delivering aid appropriately soon.
The United Nations and international community are called upon to collaborate with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation which commits itself to principles of impartiality and neutrality in delivering aid securely amidst concerns about past compromises involving humanitarian entities due to terrorist activities.
The statement concluded by urging regional cooperation against influences from Iran or proxies like Hamas while advocating support for new methods of providing humanitarian assistance effectively during ongoing conflicts.