Daijiworld Media Network – Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Aug 4: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appealed to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to urgently provide food and medical assistance to hostages held in Gaza, following the release of disturbing videos showing two captives emaciated and visibly unwell.
In a conversation with ICRC regional coordinator Julien Lerisson on Sunday, Netanyahu requested the agency’s “immediate involvement in providing food and medical treatment” to the hostages. The Red Cross said it was “appalled by the harrowing videos” and reiterated its demand for access to the hostages.
Responding to the outrage, Hamas’s armed wing, Al-Qassam Brigades, said it would permit Red Cross access only if Israel allows humanitarian corridors for food and aid throughout Gaza. The group denied deliberately starving the hostages, stating they “will not receive special privileges amid the crime of starvation and siege.”
Three recent videos released by Hamas and Islamic Jihad show Rom Braslavski and Evyatar David, both appearing frail and malnourished. One particularly disturbing video shows David digging what he says is his own grave. The footage has triggered renewed calls in Israel for a ceasefire and a new hostage-release deal.
Netanyahu’s office said he had spoken with the families of the hostages and expressed “profound shock” at the videos. “Efforts to bring back all our hostages are ongoing,” his statement said.
On the ground, tensions remain high. Tens of thousands rallied in Tel Aviv demanding action from Netanyahu’s government. Meanwhile, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas condemned Hamas’s actions as “barbaric” and called for the “immediate and unconditional” release of all hostages, while also demanding Hamas’s disarmament and the opening of large-scale aid access.
Despite international calls, aid remains severely restricted in Gaza. On Sunday, Gaza’s civil defence agency reported Israeli fire killed 14 Palestinians at aid sites near Rafah and central Gaza. Witnesses claimed no provocation, though the Israeli military has not commented.
Braslavski and David are among 49 hostages still held in Gaza from Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack, which killed 1,219 people in Israel. Israel’s retaliatory campaign in Gaza has since killed over 60,430, mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
Further escalating tensions, Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir performed a Jewish prayer at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem—an unprecedented move by a government minister. From the compound, he called for the annexation of Gaza and the “voluntary emigration” of its population, drawing sharp criticism amid fears of further unrest.