Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called on the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to assist hostages in Gaza after disturbing videos revealed two captives in severely malnourished conditions. The footage, released by Hamas’s armed wing, has ignited global concern and renewed protests in Israel demanding action.
🔍 What’s Happening?
Netanyahu spoke directly with ICRC regional coordinator Julien Lerisson on Sunday, urging immediate medical care and food supplies for hostages. The ICRC responded by condemning the videos as "harrowing" but emphasized it still lacks access to the captives despite repeated requests.
🕊️ Hamas’s Conditions
The Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’s military branch, stated it would permit Red Cross visits only if Israel opens "humanitarian corridors" for aid across Gaza. They claimed hostages aren’t being intentionally starved but argued they can’t receive "special privileges" amid widespread food shortages.
📹 Video Fallout
Three recently released clips show hostages Rom Braslavski and Evyatar David – both visibly weakened – fueling public outrage. The videos mark the first visual proof of captives’ conditions since Hamas’s October 2023 attack that triggered the ongoing conflict.
✊ Tel Aviv Protests Grow
Tens of thousands rallied in Tel Aviv this weekend, pressuring Netanyahu’s government to prioritize hostage releases through ceasefire negotiations. With over 100 still captive, families and supporters chant: "Bring them home NOW!"
