For the first time since October 7, the UN Security Council has held a meeting solely focused on the hostages held by Hamas. The meeting, which took place on May 16 at 3:00 PM ET, featured powerful testimonies, including that of Ayelet Samerano, whose son was taken hostage by an UNRWA worker. US Ambassador to the UN, along with Shoshan Hern, a released hostage, attended the meeting. The Deputy Permanent Representative of Korea, Ambassador Sangjin Kim, was visibly moved when discussing Israeli hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin. This meeting comes as Israel prepares for an operation in Rafah. It has taken almost 8 months for the UN to hold this hearing, thanks to the persistence of Gilad Erdan and the US Ambassador to the UN.
UN holds first meeting focused only on hostages as Israel prepares for Rafah op #UnitedNations #Rafah #Israel #Hamas https://t.co/wYa0ZlSgHy
In first, UN Security Council holds meeting solely focused on hostages held by Hamas https://t.co/y1buijRsxX via @timesofisrael
In first, UN Security Council holds meeting solely focused on hostages held by Hamas https://t.co/PIoRhFc3mA
WATCH: UN representative canโt hold the tears. Deputy Permanent Representative of Korea, Ambassador Sangjin Kim, talking about Israeli hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, held by Hamas in Gaza: https://t.co/mz2H3dssbX
Today's @UN Security Council event "Condemning Hostage-taking in Israel on October 7 as a Psychological Tool of Terrorism" was extremely powerful. Particularly harrowing? The testimony of Ayelet Samerano, whose son was taken hostage by... an UNRWA worker. Her face says it all. https://t.co/0bkJLuPCWC
USUN Amb. @USAmbUN with Shoshan Hern, a released Hostage formerly held by Hamas terrorists, just before a UN Security Council meeting. what a strong image. ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐บ๐ธ https://t.co/e40w9FM3sw
For the FIRST TIME since October 7, the UN Security Council will hold a meeting to focus on the hostages still being held by Hamas. Tune in at 3:00 PM ET. https://t.co/vvBUs6q4cS
There are hostages in Rafah. https://t.co/uPlKlsdHW5
Unconscionable it has taken almost 8 months for the UNSC to hold hearing devoted to the Israeli hostages held captive by Hamas in Gaza. Thank you @giladerdan1 and @USAmbUN for your persistence. Is imperative the world hears the hostages voices and acts to #BringThemHomeNOW! https://t.co/y8EqHPIyiQ