Thameen Al-Kheetan, a spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office, has issued a statement expressing deep distress at the images of “emaciated Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees” released as part of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, Al Jazeera reports.

“The images we have seen of Israeli hostages released over the weekend show signs of ill-treatment and severe malnourishment, reflecting very dire conditions they were subjected to in Gaza. We are also deeply concerned by the public parading of hostages released by Hamas in Gaza, including statements apparently made under duress during release,” Al-Kheetan was quoted as saying.

“Also distressing, Palestinians released from Israeli detention have revealed such treatment, reflecting the severe conditions under which they have been held. The manner in which they have been released also raises serious concerns,” he said.

The spokesperson called on Israel and Hamas to ensure “humane treatment, including freedom from any form of torture and abuse, for all those held under their power”. He also called on Hamas to release all captives held in Gaza and on Israel to free all those arbitrarily detained.