Source · Select Committees · Foreign Affairs Committee
Recommendation 3
3
Accepted
Repeat call for immediate release of all hostages and support information collection.
Recommendation
The Government must repeat its call for the immediate and unconditional release of all the hostages and the bodies of those who have died in captivity. The taking, holding in captivity, torture, sexual abuse and murder of hostages is despicable and every effort should be made for the release of all the hostages. At the same time, the Government should support relevant international agencies in collecting and retaining information on all those organisations and individuals involved in hostage-taking, in preparation for future criminal proceedings. (Recommendation, Paragraph 20) 51
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the recommendation, stating that calling for the release of hostages has been a top priority since October 7th and they will continue efforts. They also state they already have established networks to gather information on hostage-takers and support criminal proceedings.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The Government agrees with the Committee. We agree in calling for the immediate and unconditional release of all the hostages and the bodies of those who have died in captivity and agree that the taking, holding in captivity, torture, sexual abuse and murder of hostages is despicable. release of all hostages at every possible opportunity. This has been a top priority for this government since the horrific events of 7 October 2023, and we will not stop until all hostages, including UK-linked Avinatan Or and the body of Yossi Sharabi are returned home to their families. The hostages taken by Hamas are being held in appalling and inhuman conditions and the images of hostages being paraded for propaganda are sickening. The Prime Minister recently met the families of UK-linked hostages, and the Minister for the Middle East also met the families of non-UK linked hostages. The United UN Security Council. Their testimonies have been harrowing. The Security hostages in all four of its resolutions since 7 October. We repeated that call at the Council on 27 August and reiterated that a ceasefire remains the best way to secure the release of all the remaining hostages. We also said that the Israeli Government’s plan to expand military operations in Gaza will only put the hostages in further danger. We condemned that decision and urged Israel to change course. The Government already has established networks which work to gather information on organisations and individuals involved in hostage-taking. those responsible for hostage taking, whether terrorist or criminally motivated. The Government’s position is clear: we condemn hostage taking in all its forms as an internationally unlawful act. All those who have committed such acts must be held to account. We are committed to preventing and addressing the issue of hostage taking, including through criminal proceedings. The Government and UK Police support British their wrongful captivity and families of British nationals who seek justice for death in captivity, including during international criminal proceedings. Recommendation 4