22 November 2023

 

Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo completed today a visit to Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Jordan. The war in Gaza and the 7 October attacks that triggered it were at the centre of her discussions.

On 19-20 November, in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, the Under-Secretary-General met with President Isaac Herzog and other senior Israeli officials, as well as with families of Israeli hostages taken on 7 October. On 21 November in Ramallah, she held talks with Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh and other Palestinian leaders. She also met with the Palestinian Red Crescent leadership.

During the visit,?Under-Secretary-General?DiCarlo spent time with Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ staff, including from Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµRWA, who have been working to bring needed relief to civilians in Gaza. She paid tribute to the dozens of Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ colleagues who have paid the ultimate price during the violence.

Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo concluded her visit on 22 November with meetings in Amman.

Throughout her visit, Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo expressed her deep concern over the continued loss of life in Gaza following the abhorrent attacks of 7 October. She reiterated the Secretary-General¡¯s three priorities: 1) achieving a humanitarian ceasefire and improving humanitarian access in the Strip; 2) the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages; and 3) preventing the escalation or expansion of the conflict.?She welcomed?the recent announcement of an agreement on release of hostages and a humanitarian pause?but said much more must be done.

She also listened to the views of her interlocutors regarding ending the conflict, emphasizing the absolute need for all to commit to a political horizon through a two-state solution allowing Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace, security and dignity.