Hamas Permits the Red Cross to Deliver Supplies to Detained Individuals under Stipulated Terms
In the troubled region of Gaza, the plight of 20 living hostages, held captive by Hamas in underground tunnels, continues to be a source of international concern. Recent videos released by Hamas show the hostages in a state of emaciation and distress, with one hostage, Evyatar David, reportedly digging his own grave[1][2][4].
The hostage situation is intertwined with the broader humanitarian and political conflict in Gaza. Both sides accuse each other of harming the hostages through starvation and poor conditions. Israel suspects that Hamas deliberately brought their captives to the brink of starvation to pressure the Netanyahu government with horrifying images[1]. On the other hand, Hamas and supporting Palestinian groups accuse Israel of weaponizing starvation against Gaza’s population and hostages alike, leading to significant malnutrition and deaths[1][2][3].
Hamas denies mistreatment, asserting that hostages are subject to the same harsh conditions as Gaza’s civilian population, suffering under the humanitarian crisis caused by Israeli military restrictions and blockade[2]. The UN Security Council and other international bodies have called for the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages[3][4].
The Red Cross, traditionally a key neutral party in humanitarian access and hostage negotiations, is reportedly ready to supply Israeli hostages with food and medicine, following a request from Benjamin Netanyahu's office[5]. However, specific recent involvement details were not highlighted in the sources.
Negotiations and conditions regarding the hostages involve key points such as the demand for Israel to cease operations in Gaza and disarm Hamas and their leaders, a condition set by Israel[6]. Hamas rejects this demand outright[6]. In response, Hamas offers to release the hostages if Israel withdraws from Gaza and ceases all military operations against them[7].
Months of efforts to achieve a ceasefire and secure the release of the hostages through indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas have so far been unsuccessful[8]. The Al-Kassam Brigades, the military arm of Hamas, announced that they are ready to allow the Red Cross to supply Israeli hostages with food and medicine, but Israel must cease all aerial surveillance during the time aid reaches the hostages[9].
The footage of the hostages in Gaza has shocked the Israeli public and many people worldwide. The ongoing international diplomatic engagement includes formal statements and meetings at the UN, endorsements by entities like the League of Arab States, urging hostage release, and emphasizing the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza[3][4]. France and the UK have used Security Council meetings to discuss both the hostage crisis and the broader humanitarian emergency affecting Gaza, including warnings by UN agencies about an impending famine crisis for Gaza’s children and civilian population[3].
As the crisis continues, further developments depend on political agreements and international diplomatic pressure[1][2][3][4]. The fate of the 20 living hostages and the remains of another 28 to 30 abductees hangs in the balance, with the hope that a resolution can be found to ensure their safe release and restoration of peace in Gaza.
[1] ABC News, "Gaza hostages: Israel accuses Hamas of deliberately starving hostages," 2025. [2] Al Jazeera, "Hamas denies mistreatment of Israeli hostages in Gaza," 2025. [3] Reuters, "UN Security Council calls for immediate release of Israeli hostages in Gaza," 2025. [4] The Guardian, "International outrage over Gaza hostages as Israel and Hamas trade accusations," 2025. [5] The Jerusalem Post, "Netanyahu requests ICRC assistance for Israeli hostages in Gaza," 2025. [6] The Times of Israel, "Israel demands Hamas disarmament, exile of leaders as condition for ceasing Gaza operations," 2025. [7] Haaretz, "Hamas offers to release Israeli hostages in exchange for withdrawal from Gaza," 2025. [8] Ynet News, "Months of efforts to secure release of Israeli hostages in Gaza fail," 2025. [9] Middle East Monitor, "Hamas allows Red Cross to supply Israeli hostages with food and medicine," 2025.
- The ongoing international diplomatic engagement, involving key points such as war-and-conflicts, politics, general-news, and crime-and-justice, centers around the plight of 20 living hostages in Gaza, held captive by Hamas.
- The humanitarian and political crisis in Gaza, intertwined with war-and-conflicts, politics, general-news, and crime-and-justice, has resulted in a significant malnutrition and death rate, as both Israel and Hamas accuse each other of weaponizing starvation.
