Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appealed to the International Red Cross to deliver urgent food and medical aid to Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, following global shock over videos showing emaciated captives. The footage triggered mass protests in Tel Aviv, where tens of thousands demanded a deal to secure the hostages’ release.
While Hamas agreed to cooperate with the Red Cross—conditional on humanitarian corridors—Netanyahu accused the group of sabotaging ceasefire efforts and denied famine claims in Gaza, despite warnings from UN agencies.
Hamas, in turn, claimed the hostages’ condition reflects the enclave’s worsening humanitarian crisis and rejected accusations of deliberate starvation. Meanwhile, violent clashes at aid distribution sites continue, with 13 Palestinians killed on Sunday alone.
Ceasefire talks remain stalled. Netanyahu now favors a military approach to free the captives, a strategy condemned by hostages’ families, who warn it could endanger lives. The U.S. has also blamed Hamas for obstructing negotiations but reaffirmed its commitment to freeing the hostages.
Hamas insists it will only resume talks if humanitarian conditions improve and Israel provides a formal response to its demands.
