Protest Halts UN Security Council Meeting as Calls for Israeli Hostages' Release Erupt

A United Nations Security Council meeting was briefly interrupted by two protesters demanding the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. The disruption took place as Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was addressing the council. The conflict in Gaza has resulted in significant casualties on both sides.

A United Nations Security Council meeting on the Middle East was briefly interrupted on Wednesday when two protesters stood with signs and called for the release of Israeli hostages held by Palestinian militant group Hamas. The interruption occurred as Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was addressing the council following a statement by Israel's U.N. Ambassador Gilad Erdan. Protests inside the U.N. headquarters in New York are rare.

Lavrov, chairing the meeting as Russia is the council president for July, responded: "I don't understand, speak more clearly. One of you can speak clearly to say what you want to say. I see you don't wish to do so, very well." Diplomats in the chamber noted that the women, dressed in black, shouted "free the hostages." U.N. security asked the women to leave the chamber, and they complied, a U.N. official stated.

Israel's U.N. mission did not immediately comment on the protest. Conflict in Gaza, a Palestinian enclave of 2.3 million, began when Hamas attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostages, including civilians and soldiers, into Gaza. Israel responded with a ground and air assault, resulting in nearly 39,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza health authorities.

(With inputs from agencies.)