Hamas Offers Hostage Aid Under Conditions as Gaza Starvation Crisis Worsens
Hamas Offers Conditional Aid Access to Hostages as Gaza Crisis Deepens
Hamas announced on Sunday that it is prepared to coordinate with the Red Cross to deliver humanitarian aid to Israeli hostages held in Gaza, if Israel meets certain conditions, including the permanent opening of aid corridors and a halt to airstrikes during aid distribution.
This statement follows the release of a disturbing video of hostage Evyatar David, who appeared severely malnourished and digging what he described as his own grave. The video triggered widespread outrage from Western nations, including France, Germany, the UK, and the U.S.. In response, Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that the UN Security Council would convene a special session on Tuesday to address the situation of hostages.
According to Israeli authorities, around 50 hostages remain in Gaza, but only 20 are believed to be alive. Hamas has refused access to humanitarian organizations, leaving families in the dark about the conditions of their loved ones.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to provide immediate humanitarian support to the captives. The Hostages Families Forum condemned Hamas’ video and demanded the unconditional release of all hostages, stressing Hamas bears full responsibility for their wellbeing.
Meanwhile, Gaza’s humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, six more people died from starvation or malnutrition on Sunday, pushing the total famine-related death toll to 175, including 93 children. The Israeli military agency COGAT said it facilitated the entry of four U.N. fuel tankers to support essential services like hospitals and bakeries.
Fuel and food aid deliveries remain sporadic and insufficient. Although Egypt reportedly allowed 107 tons of diesel to enter Gaza, confirmation is pending. U.N. agencies have criticized Israel’s approach, emphasizing that air drops are inadequate and calling for broader land access to aid routes.
Amid the crisis, Belgium and France launched air-drop missions to supply aid, while Jordan joined as a partner in Belgium’s operation. However, looting of aid trucks by displaced persons and armed groups remains a growing concern, undermining effective aid distribution.
The war, which began after Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack that left 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 taken hostage, has since claimed the lives of over 60,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials.
