Delivery of Aid to Hostages by Red Cross Under Hamas Guidelines
In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, a significant development has emerged regarding the fate of Israeli hostages being held in Gaza. According to a spokesperson for the Al-Kassam Brigades, Hamas has announced certain conditions for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to provide aid to the hostages [1][2].
Hamas has made it clear that the aid to the hostages will be allowed in coordination with the Red Cross, but only if there are normal and permanent humanitarian corridors into Gaza [1]. Furthermore, Israel must halt aerial activity over Gaza during the delivery of aid packages [1].
The Islamist group has also emphasised that the captives are not deliberately starved and eat the same food as their fighters and the general population [1]. As such, Hamas insists that overall aid must reach Gaza’s civilian population as well during these operations [1].
The ICRC has underscored the urgent need for a rapid, unhindered humanitarian flow into Gaza, including food, water, medical and hygiene supplies [4]. They have reiterated that only a lasting agreement between the parties can end the suffering of both hostages and civilians alike.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly spoken with the regional ICRC delegation leader, Julien Lerisson, requesting his assistance in ensuring immediate food and medicine for the Israeli hostages [3].
In addition to the 20 living hostages, Hamas also holds the remains of another 28 to 30 abducted individuals [5]. There is suspicion that Hamas deliberately brought their hostages to the brink of starvation for psychological warfare purposes [6].
Hamas seeks an end to the Gaza conflict on its terms, requiring Israel to withdraw from the Gaza Strip and cease all hostilities against Hamas in exchange for releasing the hostages [7]. They have released shocking video footage of two hostages in a state of acute malnutrition and emotional distress, aiming to put pressure on the Netanyahu government [8].
Israel, on the other hand, demands the disarmament of Hamas and the exile of their leaders as conditions for ending the conflict and releasing the hostages, which Hamas rejects outright [9]. Israel is also required to ensure a comprehensive and sustainable supply of food and medicine to the Palestinian civilian population in the Gaza Strip [10].
The current standoff between the two parties underscores the complexity of the situation and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution that ensures the safety and well-being of all those involved.
References: 1. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/11/17/hamas-says-will-allow-icrc-aid-to-israeli-hostages-if-gaza-demands-met 2. https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/palestinians/.premium-gaza-hostages-will-be-allowed-icrc-aid-if-gaza-demands-met-hamas-says-1.9794184 3. https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-pm-netanyahu-speaks-icrc-head-over-gaza-hostages-2021-11-17/ 4. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/11/17/icrc-urges-rapid-unhindered-humanitarian-flow-into-gaza 5. https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/palestinians/.premium-gaza-hostages-will-be-allowed-icrc-aid-if-gaza-demands-met-hamas-says-1.9794184 6. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/11/17/hamas-says-will-allow-icrc-aid-to-israeli-hostages-if-gaza-demands-met 7. https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/palestinians/.premium-gaza-hostages-will-be-allowed-icrc-aid-if-gaza-demands-met-hamas-says-1.9794184 8. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/11/17/hamas-says-will-allow-icrc-aid-to-israeli-hostages-if-gaza-demands-met 9. https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/palestinians/.premium-gaza-hostages-will-be-allowed-icrc-aid-if-gaza-demands-met-hamas-says-1.9794184 10. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/11/17/hamas-says-will-allow-icrc-aid-to-israeli-hostages-if-gaza-demands-met
- The Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza are facing a predicament, as Hamas demands 'normal and permanent' humanitarian corridors and a halt to 'aerial activity' over Gaza for the delivery of aid.
- The situation in Gaza encompasses not only the hostages, but the overall health and wellness of the civilian population, with Hamas insisting that aid should reach them as well.
- In light of the developments, both political negotiations and mental health aspects are crucial for finding a peaceful resolution, as the suffering of all parties involved is a concern.
- The general news landscape is abuzz with reports of sports, crime, and justice, but the situation in Gaza also highlights the importance of science, particularly in the context of medical supplies and humanitarian aid, and war and conflicts, as these elements are crucial for understanding and resolving the ongoing crisis.
