UNICEF has called for the release of hostages held by Hamas, contrary to the Israeli Ambassador's claims, its executive director has said.

Earlier this week, Israeli Ambassador to Ireland Dana Erlich spoke to Pat Kenny and claimed that UNICEF had never called for the release of Israeli hostages.

The executive director of UNICEF has since come on the show to “set the record straight.”

Ms Erlich was a guest last Monday to mark the one year year anniversary of the launch of Hamas’ attacks against the country.

While discussing the situation, Ms Erlich made the claim that neither the Red Cross nor UNICEF had called for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

UNICEF response

Today, UNICEF Executive Director Peter Power denied the accusation on the show.

He recounted statements made by UNICEF condemning both the abduction of hostages, as well as the attacks made on Israel by Hamas.

Mr Power read a statement made by UNICEF two weeks after the attack.

It said: “The killing, maiming and abduction of children constitute grave violations of children's rights, and UNICEF urgently appeals for the release of all hostages.”

Mr Power said “the language is extremely clear, its unequivocal, its unambiguous."

He pointed out that the organisation’s mandate “extends right across the world”.

Israel had also committed breaches of international humanitarian law over the course of the conflict, Mr Power said.

“It is a breach of international law to restrict aid to people in need, and that is happening in Gaza today, and we have called that out consistently,” he said.

“We will also call that out, and we will do so without fear or favour, as we have done so over the past 12 months,” he said.

A girl living in a displacement shelter in Rafah, Southern Gaza in February 2024. Image: Terre des hommes / Abed Zagout

The organisation is currently focused on providing aid in Gaza and Lebanon. Mr Power said the situation on the ground in Gaza was "hell on earth".

The organisation is accepting donations to allow them to continue providing humanitarian aid in the region.

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