DayofPal– The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) responded to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s request to provide food and medical care to Israeli captives held in Gaza, saying they can’t do that unless a ceasefire is urgently reached to facilitate humanitarian access.
Speaking on behalf of the ICRC, Communications Coordinator Jakob Kretzer stated that the organization has been ready since the beginning of the crisis to visit the captives and provide assistance.
However, he said ongoing security risks and access restrictions, including refusals by the Israeli occupation forces have prevented any progress.
“The ICRC urgently requires a cessation of attacks to safely deliver aid to all hostages,” Kretzer said. “We have repeatedly asked all involved parties to allow us access to those being held, but the locations of many of the hostages remain unknown, placing their lives in grave danger.”
Netanyahu’s call to the Red Cross comes amid growing domestic pressure and outrage after videos emerged showing two Israeli captives in visibly frail condition, fueling fears over the welfare of dozens of captives believed to be held in Gaza.
In a statement released on Sunday, Al-Qassam said it is “prepared to respond positively” to any Red Cross request regarding aid for Israeli prisoners of war. Still, it tied this readiness to a necessary condition: Israel must stop “starving Gaza” and cease military operations that hinder aid delivery.
“We do not deliberately starve the prisoners,” the group said. “They eat what our fighters and our people eat. They will not receive special treatment while our own people are dying of hunger under siege.”
Despite the Red Cross’s willingness to act, Kretzer reiterated that without cooperation from all sides and guarantees of safety, humanitarian missions cannot be carried out.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with both civilians and captives facing increasing hardship as the war drags on.
The ICRC has called for immediate steps to ensure protection for all people affected, in line with international humanitarian law.
Shortlink for this post: https://daysofpalestine.ps/?p=66324
