August 5, 2025

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called upon the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for help in providing essential aid to hostages held in Gaza. This plea comes amid growing outrage in Israel following the release of disturbing videos showing two hostages, Rom Braslavski and Evyatar David, appearing emaciated and malnourished. Netanyahu's office confirmed that he spoke to ICRC's regional coordinator, Julien Lerisson, requesting urgent food and medical assistance for the captives. The ICRC expressed its horror over the videos and emphasized the necessity of being granted access to the hostages. In a response laden with conditions, Hamas's armed wing announced it would permit ICRC access to the hostages only if humanitarian corridors for food and aid were opened throughout Gaza. The Al-Qassam Brigades asserted they are not intentionally starving the hostages but would not allow them special privileges in the face of the 'crime of starvation' taking place in the region. Over the past few days, Hamas and its ally, Islamic Jihad, released videos featuring Braslavski and David, which have fueled calls within Israel for a truce or a deal to secure the hostages' release. Netanyahu expressed his shock to the families of the two hostages regarding the released footage, reaffirming that efforts to secure the safe return of all captives continue. In a show of solidarity, tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets in Tel Aviv, demanding action from Netanyahu's government to expedite the release of the remaining captives. Among the protestors, outrage focused particularly on the video of David, who appeared to be digging what he claimed to be his own grave. The staged videos reference dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza, prompting warnings from UN experts about a potential famine. The UN Security Council is scheduled to hold an emergency session on the 'severe situation of the hostages,’ as announced by Israel’s UN ambassador. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas condemned the videos as appalling, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. She reiterated that Hamas must disarm and relinquish control over Gaza, demands echoed by Arab nations such as Qatar and Egypt. Kallas also highlighted the urgent need for large-scale humanitarian aid to reach those affected in Gaza. Israel's government has enforced stringent controls over aid entry into the region, while humanitarian organizations report that much of what is permitted often goes unaccounted or gets diverted. Amid this turmoil, desperate Palestian refugees risk their lives to access the aid that is sometimes distributed through limited channels. On recent occasions, the civil defense agency in Gaza reported fatalities due to Israeli military action, including nine people killed while waiting for food rations at a humanitarian site backed by the US and Israel. Witnesses stated that the soldiers opened fire without provocation. This is among several recent incidents where civilian casualties have been reported during ongoing clashes. Both Braslavski and David are part of the 49 hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, which led to significant civilian casualties on both sides. Although many hostages were released during intermittent ceasefires, including exchanges for Palestinians in Israeli custody, a large number remain in captivity. According to reports, Hamas's attack resulted in the loss of 1,219 lives, primarily civilian, while Israeli military actions in Gaza have led to at least 60,430 deaths—again, mostly civilian. In a tragic twist, the Palestine Red Crescent Society reported the death of one of its staff members in an Israeli attack targeting its headquarters in Khan Yunis. While the Israeli military claimed not to be aware of any attacks in that area, ongoing media restrictions hinder the verification of the casualty figures and situations reported by different sources. This lack of transparency adds to the complexities surrounding the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza and the ongoing negotiations concerning hostages.

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Tags: Israel, Hamas, Red cross, Hostages, Gaza,