Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called on the International Committee of the Red Cross to deliver food and medical assistance to Israeli hostages in Gaza, as public anger grows over shocking footage of captives in visibly frail condition.
The appeal comes after Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad released propaganda videos last week showing hostages Evyatar David and Rom Braslavski, emaciated and weak, after nearly two years in captivity.
The images triggered a wave of protests across Israel, with tens of thousands rallying in Tel Aviv calling for an immediate deal to secure the hostages’ release.
Netanyahu’s office confirmed he spoke with Julien Lerisson, the Red Cross’ regional head, urging the organization to intervene. Meanwhile, the Red Cross said it was “appalled” by the videos and emphasized the urgent need to end the hostages’ suffering.
Hamas claimed the captives’ frailty reflects the overall humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Abu Obeida, spokesperson for Hamas’ al-Qassam Brigades, insisted the hostages receive the same food as civilians and fighters, arguing there would be no “special privileges” amid Israel’s blockade.
Still, Hamas stated it would allow Red Cross access—only if humanitarian corridors were opened.
The release of the videos coincides with a deepening famine in Gaza. The World Health Organization reported a spike in malnutrition-related deaths, with over 5,000 children treated for malnutrition in just two weeks in July.
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Aid distribution sites have also become dangerous, with a recent shooting near one in northern Gaza leaving at least 13 dead.
Despite Hamas’ gesture toward cooperation, they continue to resist direct negotiations. A senior official from the group told CNN they would only resume ceasefire talks if Israel addressed the dire conditions in Gaza and provided a formal response to their terms.
Netanyahu, however, accused Hamas of using the captives as propaganda tools. “They don’t want a deal,” he said Sunday. “They want to break us with these horrifying videos.” He now appears to favor a military solution over negotiation, a stance that is dividing public opinion and frustrating families of the hostages.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum issued a scathing statement, accusing Netanyahu of using false promises to delay negotiations.
“Claims of freeing hostages through military victory are a lie and a public fraud,” the group said, while also condemning Hamas for keeping innocent people under “impossible conditions” for over 660 days.
The U.S. envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, recently met with families of the hostages, reiterating that their release remains a top American priority.
Yet hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough are dimming as talks remain stalled and frustration escalates on all sides.
At least 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with around 20 believed to be alive. Their families say the time for action is now — and warn that further military escalation could put their loved ones in greater danger.
CNN
