Carnet Diplomatique : Israeli Ambassador Expresses Concern Over Hostage Conditions

Efforts by the Security Council of the United Nations to restore peace between Israel and Palestine are as persistent as the conflict itself. Last week, the Council listened to some survivors of the October 2023 hostage taking in some towns in Israel at night during a festival.  Faced with the deadlock caused by the resurgence of violence in the Middle East since 07 October 2023 when over 250 Israelis were taken hostage by Hamas, the Ambassador of Israel in Yaounde, Amnon Kalmar has said the situation remains disturbing. Recalling that 59 people were kidnapped that fateful night at a festival and some from their homes while asleep, the diplomat noted that his country will stop at nothing until they return home. He noted that the situation has been such that Israel is not ready to accept any negotiations with Hamas without the captives brought back.     
With images of homes destroyed and efforts which he says Israel has deployed to help the civilian population suffering in Gaza from the ongoing strikes, Ambassador Kalmar pointed out that aid packages sent from Israel to the affected population in Gaza are generally diverted by Hamas for their upkeep while the population remains in starvation. That, he continued, made it difficult for Israel to arrive at any compromise. Thus, assistance to the civilian population and other measures to respect international law by Israel, he stated, have been trapped in the midst of Hamas rejection of all peace proposals by Israel.     
Asked if steps taken by other foreign powers, as part of efforts by the international community to bring peace between Israel and Palestine are producing any fruits, the diplomat noted that proposals made by the President of the United States w...