Time is running out for hostages, international community must intervene to save their lives – Letter from Israel (S/2025/162)

14 March 2025

Letter dated 14 March 2025 from the Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council

I write to you with the utmost urgency regarding the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe faced by the Israeli hostages held in Gaza. For 525 days, these hostages have endured unbearable conditions, completely cut off from the outside world, denied even the most basic necessities, including medical care and access to visitation by the Red Cross.

As of today, 59 hostages remain in Hamas’ captivity, at least 24 of whom are believed to be alive. Time is running out.

With each passing day, the unimaginable cruelty and inhumane conditions that they are subjected to become increasingly clear. Survivors of captivity have exposed the full extent of the horror. The hostages have been locked in tiny, airless cells for months, without sanitation or adequate food. They have spent their captivity in Hamas’ underground tunnel network, deprived of sunlight and air, shackled and isolated from any human contact. They were kidnapped during the 7 October massacre, many while wounded, and dragged into Gaza to endure unimaginable suffering. They have been beaten, tortured and subjected to psychological and physical terror. Even those who have been released have described the horrifying humiliation and degrading treatment inflicted by their captors.

There is constant international discussion about humanitarian aid to Gaza, yet there is one undeniable fact – for 525 days, the hostages have not received even a single piece of humanitarian aid. While convoys flow into Gaza, including during the ceasefire agreement, the innocent Israelis still being held captive remain completely abandoned, denied food, medical treatment and the most basic human dignity.

Those who have survived captivity emerge in a state of extreme physical and mental deterioration, having lost a significant percentage of their body weight, weakened and scarred, both physically and emotionally. These are young women, children, elderly Holocaust survivors, fathers, mothers and young adults – many of whom are individuals who dedicated their lives to coexistence. Volunteers who spent years transporting Palestinian patients from Gaza to hospitals in Israel. In return for their humanity, they were brutally kidnapped and thrown into Hamas’ tunnels, where many were murdered, never to return. Yet, much of the world remains silent.

In light of the aforementioned facts, I request to schedule a meeting of the Security Council in accordance with Articles 34 and 35 of the Charter of the United Nations.

The hostages do not have time. Every day that passes is an eternity for them. If the Council does not act now, if the international community does not intervene with urgency, it may soon be too late.

I should be grateful if you would have the present letter distributed as a document of the Security Council.

(Signed) Danny Danon

Ambassador

Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations