UN Security Council to hold special session on hostages in Gaza
(VOVWORLD) - The United Nations Security Council will hold a special session on Tuesday to discuss the hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza. The informs was revealed Sunday by Israel's Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, following the release of videos showing two Israeli hostages appearing severely emaciated.
Data indicates that around 50 hostages are still being held in Gaza, of whom only 20 are believed to be alive.
However, the UNSC emergency meeting is likely to focus on humanitarian issues, as the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate.
Gaza's Health Ministry reported Sunday that an additional 6 people had died from hunger or malnutrition in 24 hours, bringing the total number of victims to at least 175 in recent weeks, including 93 children. Looting of aid supplies is increasing due to a lack of control. Many Palestinians are forced to risk their lives to reach distribution points.
The Palestinian Health Ministry said Sunday that at least 80 people were killed by Israeli fire, many of them on their way to collect food.
In response to the crisis, several countries have increased aid to the region. On Monday, the Australian Government pledged an additional 13 million USD in humanitarian assistance for Gaza. The Czech Republic announced 190,000 USD to the World Food Program (WFP) to assist Palestinian civilians.