Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a direct appeal on Sunday to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for urgent assistance to hostages still held in Gaza, following a wave of outrage triggered by recent videos showing two Israeli captives visibly emaciated. The plea came after a particularly harrowing video surfaced showing hostage Evyatar David digging what he claimed was his own grave, fueling demands across Israel for swift action.
The ICRC responded by calling the videos “harrowing” and reiterated its demand for immediate access to the hostages. In a statement, the organization’s regional coordinator, Julien Lerisson, confirmed that Netanyahu had requested ICRC involvement “in providing food to our hostages and… immediate medical treatment.” The Red Cross said it was “appalled by the harrowing videos” and called on all parties to grant humanitarian access.
Hamas’s armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, announced that they would permit the Red Cross to see the hostages—but only if humanitarian corridors for food and aid are opened “across all areas of the Gaza Strip.” They insisted that they “do not intentionally starve” hostages but argued that those held would not receive special privileges while Gaza itself remains under siege and facing dire shortages. UN experts have warned that “a famine is unfolding” in Gaza.
Hostage Crisis Sparks Outrage and Protests
Over the last few days, three videos released by Hamas and Islamic Jihad depicted two hostages—Rom Braslavski and Evyatar David—looking weak and malnourished. Both men were seized during Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack, which resulted in 1,219 deaths, mostly civilians, according to official tallies. Of the 251 people taken hostage during that assault, most have been released in prisoner swaps during brief truces.
The latest images have reignited calls inside Israel for a new truce and renewed hostage release deal. On Saturday, Netanyahu met with families of the remaining captives, expressing “profound shock over the materials distributed by the terror organisations.” On Sunday, tens of thousands rallied in Tel Aviv demanding government action to bring home those still held captive.
International Response and Next Steps
The European Union’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described the footage as “appalling,” adding that it “exposes the barbarity of Hamas.” She joined a chorus of international voices urging release of all remaining hostages. For now, any progress appears tied to negotiations over broader humanitarian access for Gaza’s population—a sticking point as both sides trade blame over starvation and suffering amid ongoing conflict.
As pressure mounts both domestically and internationally, the fate of those still held—and prospects for broader relief efforts in Gaza—remain deeply uncertain.
