Hamas announced on Sunday its willingness to collaborate with the Red Cross for aid delivery to the hostages under its custody in Gaza, provided that Israel fulfills specific conditions. This statement came after the release of a video by Hamas depicting an emaciated captive, which received strong condemnation from Western nations.
The coordination with the Red Cross is conditional on Israel permanently opening humanitarian corridors and ceasing airstrikes while aid is being distributed. Israeli officials reported that there are currently 50 hostages in Gaza, with only 20 of them believed to be alive. Hamas has restricted access to the hostages by humanitarian organizations, leaving families with little or no information about their well-being.
In a disturbing video released on Saturday, Israeli hostage Evyatar David appeared severely malnourished, digging what he claimed to be his own grave. The video sparked outrage among Western countries, including France, Germany, the U.K., and the U.S. Consequently, Israel’s Foreign Affairs Ministry announced that the United Nations Security Council would convene a special session on the matter on Tuesday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu disclosed that he had requested the Red Cross to provide humanitarian aid to the hostages during discussions with the local Red Cross delegation. The Hostages Families Forum urged for the immediate release of the hostages, criticizing Hamas for holding them in dire conditions for over 660 days.
Tragically, six more Palestinians in Gaza succumbed to starvation or malnutrition within the last 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to 175, including 93 children, since the conflict began in October 2023. Efforts to alleviate the crisis included the delivery of fuel to Gaza, with Egypt sending two trucks carrying 107 tons of diesel to the enclave.
Despite these aid efforts, Gaza’s Health Ministry highlighted the severe impact of fuel shortages on hospital services, forcing medical professionals to prioritize critical cases. The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza has drawn international attention, prompting calls for increased aid access and measures to prevent famine among the displaced population.
As part of aid initiatives, Belgium and France conducted air drops of humanitarian assistance into Gaza, with reports of aid trucks being looted by desperate individuals and armed groups. The conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in significant casualties, with Palestinian health authorities reporting at least 80 deaths from Israeli airstrikes and gunfire on Sunday alone.
The Gaza war, initiated by a Hamas-led attack in 2023, has led to a devastating toll on both sides, with tens of thousands of Palestinian casualties and numerous hostages held in dire conditions. The international community continues to urge for immediate action to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.