Gaza, 22 November 2023 (TDI): Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, concluded her visit today, covering Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and Jordan.
Her discussions focused on the Gaza conflict and the October 7 attacks that triggered it. Starting on November 19-20 in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, DiCarlo engaged with President Isaac Herzog, senior Israeli officials, and families of hostages from October 7.
Moving to Ramallah on November 21, she held talks with Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh and Palestinian leaders, also meeting with the Palestinian Red Crescent leadership.
Throughout her visit, DiCarlo spent time with UN staff, including UNRWA, honoring colleagues who sacrificed their lives during the ongoing violence.
On November 22, in Amman, DiCarlo expressed deep concern over the continued loss of life in Gaza post-October 7.
She reiterated the Secretary-General’s priorities: a humanitarian ceasefire, improved access in the Strip, unconditional release of hostages, and preventing conflict escalation.
Also read: UN chief calls for a humanitarian pause in Gaza
While welcoming the recent hostage release deal and humanitarian pause, she stressed the need for more action. Actively listening to perspectives on ending the conflict, DiCarlo emphasized commitment to a two-state solution for peaceful coexistence.
UN Special Coordinator Tor Wennesland welcomed the deal securing the release of hostages abducted on October 7, involving groups like Hamas.
A 4-day humanitarian pause in Gaza has been declared, aiming to facilitate hostage release and address Palestinians’ urgent needs.
Safe access and uninterrupted humanitarian aid flow are critical to success. Appreciation is extended to Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. for facilitating the agreement. Wennesland emphasizes that all parties must uphold their responsibilities.
While taking a step forward, he stresses that more actions are required, pledging continued efforts to end the suffering in the region.
