Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reached out to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) after disturbing videos revealed two hostages in Gaza suffering severe malnutrition. 😢
In a recent phone call with ICRC coordinator Julien Lerisson, Netanyahu requested urgent assistance—including food aid and immediate medical treatment—to help the hostages amid growing local and international concern.
The ICRC expressed its shock over the harrowing footage and stressed the need for unhindered access to deliver much-needed relief. Meanwhile, representatives from the armed wing of Hamas indicated that they would permit the ICRC to reach the hostages only if humanitarian corridors for food and aid are opened throughout all areas of the Gaza Strip. At the same time, the Al-Qassam Brigades clarified that while they did not intentionally starve the hostages, no special allowances would be made given the ongoing crisis of starvation and siege in Gaza.
Recent clips featuring hostages Rom Braslavski and Evyatar David have further fueled calls within Israel for a ceasefire and negotiations for a hostage release deal. Tens of thousands of people rallied in Tel Aviv, urging the government to secure the safe return of the captives. This unfolding situation is adding another intense layer to the region's tensions and sparking urgent humanitarian debates.
Stay tuned as we follow further developments in this critical story.
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Netanyahu asks ICRC for help after shock of Gaza hostage video
cgtn.com
