Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to intervene and assist with the humanitarian needs of Israeli captives believed to be held in Gaza, particularly as only 36 aid trucks managed to enter the region on Saturday. In a conversation with ICRC head Julian Larson, Netanyahu emphasized the urgent need for food and medical treatment for these captives, amidst ongoing claims of starvation conditions.
The situation escalated after Palestinian factions, including Hamas, released videos showing severely malnourished Israeli hostages, highlighting the dire circumstances faced within Gaza, where around 2 million people are enduring a severe humanitarian crisis caused by blockades and hostilities. Netanyahu dismissed Hamas’ claims of starvation, asserting that there is a systematic starvation of Israeli hostages.
In a subsequent statement, Hamas spokesperson Abu Obeida indicated that while the group does not provide special privileges to Israeli captives, they are open to communication with the ICRC to facilitate aid delivery, provided that humanitarian access is guaranteed for all Gazans and that Israeli military actions cease during aid transport.
The ICRC expressed deep concern regarding the well-being of the captives, describing the released videos as evidence of life-threatening conditions. In their statement, the ICRC reiterated the need for cooperation from all involved parties to gain access to the hostages.
Compounding the urgency of the situation, families of the captives voiced frustration towards Netanyahu’s stance on military solutions, fearing that such strategies might jeopardize their loved ones’ safety. They asserted that continuous military pressure would not resolve the situation and highlighted the desperate conditions their sons face in captivity.
Meanwhile, the United Nations reported a staggering humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with the agency stating that over one million women and girls are facing starvation. The UN has called for an immediate ceasefire and the unhindered delivery of essential aid for all those affected in the region.
As reports indicate a tragic rise in starvation-related deaths, including that of a 17-year-old boy who succumbed to the effects of malnutrition, the overarching message underscores an urgent need for a coordinated humanitarian response that addresses the welfare of both captives and civilians in Gaza.
The current state of affairs highlights a critical humanitarian emergency, and there is a growing call for all parties involved to prioritize dialogue and humanitarian efforts to alleviate the suffering experienced by both the captives and the population in Gaza.