UK UN Rep Barbara Woodward Urges Israel to Open Gaza Aid Routes

Call for Unconditional Hostage Release

• 🇬🇧 The UK reaffirms its support for Israel and condemns the inhuman and cruel actions of Hamas, including the captivity of hostages.
• 🗣️ The UN Security Council's call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages is reiterated.
• 🖼️ Images of emaciated hostages paraded for propaganda are described as depraved.
• 🚫 Hamas and its ideology are deemed unsuitable for the future governance of Gaza and a threat to Israel's security.

Alleviating Suffering in Gaza

• 📉 Since the end of a recent ceasefire, the suffering of hostages and Palestinian civilians has reached shocking new depths.
• ⚠️ Israel's aid restrictions are leading to a famine unfolding in Gaza, as reported by the IPC.
• 🩺 Doctors have witnessed children with malnourished wounds festering for months, and baby formula being confiscated by the IDF.
• 🆘 Barbara Woodward calls on Israel to act to alleviate this horrendous suffering by lifting restrictions on aid delivery.

Requirements for Aid Delivery

• 🤝 Aid delivery must adhere to principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence.
• 🌐 The UN needs to operate safely and at scale, with all land routes opened for essential supplies.
• 📦 Essential supplies include food, baby formula, medicine, fuel, and clean water.
• 🛡️ Israel must ensure the protection of civilians, medics, and aid workers.
• 🚨 The killing of a Palestinian Red Crescent worker by an Israeli strike is appalling, and Israel must investigate this and similar incidents.

Path Towards a Two-State Solution

• 🕊️ A ceasefire earlier this year demonstrated the impact of political will.
• 🌍 A recent two-state solution conference highlighted the potential of international community collaboration.
• 🤝 Parties are urged to reinvigorate efforts to secure a ceasefire deal and an end to the conflict.
• 🇬🇧 The UK is prepared to play a role in achieving a plan that ends bloodshed, brings hostages home, and establishes a Palestinian state.
• 🇵🇸 Statehood is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people and crucial for Israel's long-term security.