Erdan at UN: 'You've Done Practically Nothing to Secure the Release of the Hostages'

Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, on Thursday, May 16, criticized the UN for its failure to condemn Hamas for its October 7 attack on Israel and for its kidnapping of Israelis that day.

Speaking at a UN Security Council discussion which, for the first time, focused on the hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza, Erdan noted that “our hostages have been held in Gaza for 223 days, and this is the first meeting being held by any UN body to focus on their suffering and ways to release them.”

“In the past 32 weeks since October 7th, the Security Council and the UN have done practically nothing to secure the release of the hostages. It is heartbreaking and amoral,” he added. “Our hostages are enduring beatings, torture, and rape. Those in need of medication are being deprived. Those suffering from mental illness are languishing,” continued Erdan.

“Israel has done everything possible to get medication to the hostages in need – through the Red Cross and through other mediators – but to this day, there has not even been any confirmation that they reached the hostages. Not a word.”

While he acknowledged the importance of issuing calls to release the hostages, Erdan also pointed out that such calls do not have any real impact on Hamas. (INN / VFI News)

“Our Heavenly Father, we pray for Your protection over our hostages. We pray that You keep them safe amid the chaos and that You shield them from physical and mental torture, in Yeshua’s name. We urge the international community to do everything in its power for the release of our hostages and to not deflect from the matter any longer, but fully acknowledge the horrifying situation as it is.”