Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appealed to the International Committee of the Red Cross, ICRC, for urgent assistance in aiding hostages held in Gaza, as anger grows over disturbing videos showing two Israeli captives appearing severely malnourished. Netanyahu urged the ICRC to help deliver food and medical treatment to those still in captivity following the October 7 attacks that sparked the current war.
In response, the ICRC expressed deep concern over the videos, calling for immediate access to the hostages. Hamas’s armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, claimed it would grant access to the captives only if humanitarian aid corridors were opened across all areas of Gaza. The group insisted it does not intentionally starve hostages but added that they would not be given preferential treatment while Gaza’s broader population remains under siege.
The release of footage showing the hostages in visibly frail conditions has reignited public pressure inside Israel for a ceasefire and hostage deal. Over the weekend, mass protests erupted in Tel Aviv, with demonstrators urging the government to prioritize the return of those still held. Netanyahu, who spoke with the families of the two hostages, reaffirmed that efforts to secure their release remain a top priority.
