The recent days have brought a glimmer of hope with a growing international consensus, including nations supporting Israel, on the urgent need for a humanitarian pause in the ongoing conflict. This pause is essential to facilitate the release of hostages, the safe evacuation of third-country nationals, and a significant increase in the delivery of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.
However, this glimmer of hope was shattered as we witnessed an unprecedented escalation in bombings and their devastating impact, which has undermined our humanitarian objectives. This situation is intolerable and must be reversed.
I once again make a fervent appeal for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. This ceasefire must be accompanied by the unconditional release of hostages and the delivery of humanitarian assistance on a scale commensurate with the dire needs of the people in Gaza. What we are witnessing is nothing short of a humanitarian catastrophe unfolding before our very eyes.
I want to reiterate what I emphasized yesterday: this is the moment of truth. It is a moment when every stakeholder involved must shoulder their responsibilities. History will be the ultimate judge of our actions, and we all must act with a sense of urgency and responsibility to avert further suffering and loss.
