Hamas has said it is open to allowing the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to send food and medicine to Israeli hostages held in Gaza, but only if humanitarian aid is also allowed to reach Palestinians in the region. This statement came shortly after videos showed two Israeli hostages in very weak condition, raising global concern.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded by saying he had asked the Red Cross to help deliver aid to the hostages. He added that, while the world hears about hunger in Gaza, Israeli hostages are also suffering from extreme starvation.
According to Hamas, the hostages are receiving the same food as their fighters and civilians. Their spokesperson, Abu Obeida, stated that Hamas is ready to cooperate with the Red Cross, but insisted that proper aid routes for Palestinians must also be opened. He stressed that it’s unfair to ask for food for hostages while denying aid to the wider population.
The ICRC has condemned the poor conditions shown in the hostage videos and renewed its request for full access to all hostages. It also noted that since October 7, 2023, its teams have not been allowed to visit Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody.
In another incident, the Red Cross reported that one of its team members was killed in Gaza, inside a marked building of the Palestine Red Crescent Society. However, no side was blamed.
Families of Israeli hostages have expressed anger toward the Israeli government’s approach. They said relying only on military action has failed to bring their loved ones back. According to reports, about 50 hostages remain in Gaza, but less than half are believed to be alive.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to worsen. The United Nations says around one million women and girls are now starving. Over 22,000 aid trucks are reportedly waiting outside the border, unable to enter due to restrictions.
The situation remains critical, with calls growing for both hostage release and urgent food deliveries to civilians.
