Hamas says open to ICRC delivering food to Israeli captives in Gaza

Hamas says open to ICRC delivering food to Israeli captives in Gaza

Hamas has expressed openness to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) delivering aid to Israeli captives in Gaza, following a statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu requesting the organization’s involvement. The ICRC is based in Geneva and has been called upon to assist with food and medical care for those held in the region.

The statements from Hamas and Netanyahu followed the release of videos by Palestinian groups last week, showing two emaciated Israeli captives being held in Gaza. The area is experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis, with approximately 2 million Palestinians struggling to survive due to what some describe as an Israeli-induced starvation situation.

On Sunday, Netanyahu spoke with Julian Larson, head of the ICRC delegation in Israel, urging the organization to take immediate action in providing aid to captives still held in Gaza. In a post on X, Netanyahu stated that Hamas was spreading a “lie of starvation” in the enclave, but that in reality, “systematic starvation is being carried out against our hostages.”

Later that day, Abu Obeida, a spokesman for the Qassam Brigades—Hamas’s armed wing—said that Israeli captives in Gaza “eat what our fighters and all our people eat.” He emphasized that no special privileges would be granted amid the ongoing “crime of starvation and siege.” However, he added that Hamas is “ready to act positively and respond to any request from the Red Cross to deliver food and medicine to enemy prisoners.”

Abu Obeida also stressed that for such aid to be accepted, “humanitarian corridors must be opened in a normal and permanent manner for the passage of food and medicine to all our people in all areas of the Gaza Strip.” Additionally, he called for an end to all Israeli attacks during the delivery of aid packages to prisoners.

The ICRC responded to the situation by expressing dismay at the harrowing videos of the captives and reiterating its call for access to the hostages. In a statement shared on X, the organization said the videos were “stark evidence of the life-threatening conditions” in which the captives are being held. It also noted that families watching the videos were “horrified and heartbroken.”

According to the ICRC’s website, securing access requires cooperation from all parties involved. The organization has not been able to visit any Palestinian detainees held in Israeli detention facilities since October 7, 2023. In a separate statement, the ICRC expressed concern over the killing of a Palestine Red Crescent Society staff member in a clearly marked PRCS building in Khan Younis, though it did not specify the responsible party.

Meanwhile, families of Israeli captives in Gaza criticized Netanyahu’s insistence on a “military resolution” as a direct threat to their loved ones’ lives. They stated that for 22 months, the public has been led to believe that military pressure would bring back the hostages, but now even before reaching a comprehensive agreement, it is claimed that such an agreement is futile.

There are currently about 50 captives still in Gaza, with fewer than half believed to be alive. The situation worsens as the Government Media Office in Gaza reported that only 36 aid trucks entered the territory on Saturday, while 22,000 more remain waiting outside.

The United Nations office in Geneva warned that one million women and girls in Gaza are now starving. In a post on X, the UN stated: “One million. That’s how many women and girls are starving in Gaza. This horrific situation is unacceptable and must end.” It reiterated its demand for the delivery of lifesaving aid, an immediate ceasefire, and the release of all hostages.

At least 175 people, including 93 children, have been confirmed dead from forced starvation, according to the territory’s Ministry of Health. Among them is 17-year-old Atef Abu Khater, whose weight had dropped to just 25kg (55lbs) before his death on Saturday.