Concerned About Hostage Conditions, UN Human Rights Office: Israel And Hamas Must Ensure Human Treatment

UN Human Rights Office in Geneva, Switzerland. (UN Photo/Jean-Marc Ferré)

JAKARTA - The United Nations (UN) Human Rights Office criticized Israel and the Hamas militant group regarding the condition of the hostages and detainees released by each side.

The United Nations Human Rights Office on Monday described photos of thin Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners released as part of the Gaza ceasefire deal as sad, saying the photos reflected the dire conditions in which they were detained.

"The photos of the thin Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners released as part of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement are very sad," UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) spokesman Thameen Al-Kheetan said in a statement.

Al-Kheetan further explained that photos of Israeli hostages released last weekend showed signs of severe maltreatment and malnutrition, reflecting the terrible conditions they are experiencing in Gaza.

"We are also deeply concerned by the public parade over the hostages released by Hamas in Gaza, including statements that appear to have been made under pressure during the release," continued Al-Kheetan.

Meanwhile, Palestinians released from Israeli custody have expressed similar treatment under severe conditions, described by OHCHR as sad and concerning.

"Israel and Hamas must ensure humane treatment, including freedom from all forms of torture or harassment, for all those detained under their control," said Al-Kheetan.

The spokesman reminded all parties involved in conflict, torture and other forms of ill-treatment against protected people are war crimes.

"And, those who are found guilty must receive punishments that are commensurate with the level of seriousness of their actions," he said.

"We emphasize that hostage-taking is a war crime," he said.

"Hamas must immediately and unconditionally release all hostages, and Israel must immediately and unconditionally release all those detained arbitrarily," he said.

Deeply distressing images of emaciated Israeli hostages & Palestinian detainees released as part of Gaza ceasefire deal.#Israel & #Hamas must ensure humane treatment for all those held under their power. All hostages & those arbitrarily detained must be immediately released.

— UN Human Rights (@UNHumanRights) February 10, 2025

Deeply distorted images of emerging Israeli hosts & Palestinian destinations release as part of Gaza ceasefire deal. #Israel & #Hamas must ensure humanity treatment for all those held under their power. All hosts & those arbitrarily determined must be immediately released.