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Netanyahu Appeals to Red Cross to Help Gaza Hostages
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appealed to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to urgently provide food and medical assistance to Israeli hostages held in Gaza. The request follows the circulation of disturbing videos showing two hostages in visibly deteriorating health conditions.
In one of the videos, Evyatar David appears extremely frail and is reportedly seen digging a hole, which his family fears may be a grave. His relatives described the images as horrifying and accused those holding him of using starvation as psychological warfare. Another hostage, Rom Braslavski, was also shown looking severely malnourished.
Netanyahu personally urged ICRC officials to act swiftly and demanded the agency gain access to all hostages still being held in the conflict zone. The Red Cross responded by expressing deep concern and reiterated its call for full humanitarian access, emphasizing that such treatment of detainees could violate international norms.
Meanwhile, Hamas offered to allow Red Cross access under specific conditions, including a halt to Israeli airstrikes and the establishment of permanent aid corridors. The group rejected claims that hostages were being deliberately starved, blaming restricted aid flow and ongoing hostilities for deteriorating conditions.
Back in Israel, the hostage families led protests, pressing the government to reach a resolution. Public anger has grown, with widespread demonstrations calling for immediate action. International pressure has also mounted, with multiple governments demanding safe treatment of hostages and unimpeded humanitarian relief.
Inside Gaza, the humanitarian situation continues to worsen. Overcrowded shelters, limited medical supplies, and disruptions in aid distribution have led to rising casualties due to hunger and lack of treatment. Despite the arrival of several thousand tons of supplies, logistical challenges and looting have prevented widespread relief.
