Hamas has stated that it is ready to corporate with the Red Cross for the humanitarian aid to israeli hostages held in Gaza. The corporation comes with a condition that Israel permanently opens humanitarian corridors and pausing airstrikes during aid distribution.
Outrage After Disturbing Hostage Video
The statement came after Hamas released a disturbing video of Israeli hostage Evyatar David, showing him in a frail and emaciated state. In the video, David is seen digging what he refers to as his own grave. Observers were further shocked by the contrast between David’s skeletal appearance and the seemingly healthy arm of the person recording the footage.
This video prompted international condemnation from countries including the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Germany. In response, Israel confirmed that the United Nations Security Council will convene on Tuesday for a special session focused on the hostage crisis in Gaza.
Status of Hostages and Israel’s Response
According to Reuters, around 50 hostages are held in Gaza but only 20 are believed to be still alive. Captives have not recieved the access to the humanitarian aid, leaving many families for updates.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he urged the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to assist the hostages during a phone conversation with the organization’s local chief in Israel.
The Hostages Families Forum, representing relatives of those held captive, issued a statement rejecting Hamas’s comments. It said the group “has been holding innocent people in impossible conditions for over 660 days,” demanding the captives’ immediate release.
Escalating Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to worsen. The local health ministry reported six more deaths from starvation or malnutrition in the last 24 hours, raising the hunger-related death toll to 175, including 93 children.
On Sunday, Israel permitted a fuel shipment into Gaza, amid ongoing hostilities. The conflict began following Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which left over 1,200 people dead. Since then, Gaza health officials claim over 60,000 Palestinians have been killed.
