Thank you, Madame Chair,
Let me start by thanking the United States for organizing this Arria meeting.
Allow me, Madame Chair, to address the survivors and families of the hostages present here today and through them to all victims of the appalling terrorist attack against Israel on 7 October: You are not forgotten! We stand by you and the people of Israel until all your loved ones are safely returned home.
Your painful testimonies today are yet another proof of the sheer brutality of Hamas and the serious physical and psychological trauma on victims and their families, but also to the devastating effect on the society as a whole.
Distinguished Colleagues,
We are disappointed that Security Council has not been able to condemn Hamas for the large-scale terrorist attack on Israel; the use of hostage-taking as a weapon of war that has affected more than 20 nations and for remaining silent on the sexual violence exercised by Hamas on civilians as a tool of terror.
My country, Albania, is a proud initial co-sponsor of this event and would like to articulate clearly and strongly 3 messages:
First: Albania reiterates its strongest condemnation of the attacks by the Hamas terrorists against Israel, which have no justification.
Second: Hamas and other armed groups should immediately, unconditionally and safely release all civilians who were captured and are still being held.
Third: All those responsible for this horrific violence must have full accountability in accordance with international law.
Hostage-taking is a flagrant breach of International Law and International Humanitarian Law. Taking hostages and executing hostages are acts that are strictly prohibited by various international conventions. The crimes committed on 7 October, including alleged sexual violence against women and girls, hostage-taking and other violations of international law, may amount to crimes against humanity.
Without justice for the victims and without the accountability for the perpetrators, the 7th of October attack will remain in our conscience as one of the darkest side of the modern history of the Middle East.
Madame Chair,
223 days after Hamas multifaceted attack on Israel, the hostages held in Gaza are enduring unspeakable suffering, while Hamas continues the breach of International Humanitarian Law, by not allowing access to the ICRC to visit the hostages and assisting them on their needs, as well as on exchanging messages with their family members, thus deepening the distress for the people of Israel and all the nations that have been affected by this heinous attack. International community should strengthen its effort to oblige Hamas to abide by International Humanitarian Law and make possible such access for all the neutral intermediaries and share information with family members on the whereabouts of their beloved ones.
We also call for full protection of civilians in Rafah and unimpeded passage of the humanitarian lifesaving aid to the civilians in Gaza.
We condemn the attack of Hamas on Kerem Shalom crossing hindering the delivery of the humanitarian aid to those suffering for seventh months the consequences of an unprovoked attack by Hamas.
Albania joins the international community call to the parties to redouble their efforts for a humanitarian ceasefire and unconditional release of all hostages and reaffirm the commitment to a two-state solution that provides and guarantees security and dignity for the people of Israel and Palestine.
I thank you.
