Statement by Jan Egeland, Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC):
“On this, the second anniversary of the appalling acts of violence in Israel undertaken by Hamas and other armed groups, we once again repeat our call for immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
“Those responsible for the attacks of 7 October 2023, which killed more than 1,200 men, women, and children, should face justice, and we urge governments with influence to apply maximum possible pressure to ensure the immediate release of all hostages. The taking of hostages is a war crime and causes unimaginable suffering for both those unlawfully detained and their families.
“The violence that has spiralled since that day has destroyed millions of lives. It is utterly unacceptable that civilians on all sides have been targeted and used as bargaining chips.
“We repeat our call: release the hostages, end the violence, stop targeting civilians.”
Notes to editors
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According to Israeli sources, more than 1,200 persons were killed directly by members of the various Palestinian armed groups and others (OHCHR).
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
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NRC global media hotline: media@nrc.no, +47 905 62 329