Geneva, 20 February 2025 – As the return of hostages continues today and this weekend, CIVIC both welcomes their release and expresses deep concern regarding the taking and treatment of hostages, including the deaths of hostages in captivity. We continue to call for the robust implementation of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which we welcomed as a critical step toward alleviating civilian suffering.
“Today’s return of the bodies of Israeli hostages – including children – to their families underscores the immense suffering that hostages and their families have endured for over a year,” said Hichem Khadhraoui, CIVIC’s Executive Director. “International law is unequivocal in its prohibition of hostage taking. We reiterate our calls for the return of all hostages, the protection of civilians, and a permanent ceasefire.”
The taking of hostages is prohibited under Article 3 common to the Geneva Conventions, the Fourth Geneva Convention, and Customary International Humanitarian Law. Hostages endure immense physical and psychological trauma with far-reaching consequences for the rest of their lives.
For the sake of civilians across Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory, CIVIC urges warring parties to comply with the terms of the ceasefire agreement and negotiate in good faith to ensure that they proceed to phase two of the agreement, realize a permanent ceasefire, ensure full humanitarian access, and secure the release of all hostages and detainees.
For additional information or media inquiries, please contact:
Hajer Naili, Director of Communications, [email protected], +33 6 03 50 53 93 / +1 917 889 5982 (WhatsApp)
CIVIC Communications: [email protected]
Spokespersons available for interviews in English, French, and Arabic.
ABOUT CIVIC
Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) is a non-profit, non-governmental humanitarian protection organization that envisions a world in which no civilian is harmed in conflict. Learn more at www.civiliansinconflict.org and follow CIVIC on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
