Hamas Grants Approval for Red Cross to Supply Captives Under Specific Terms
In the heart of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, months of efforts to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages through indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas have proven unsuccessful.
As of early August 2025, an estimated 49 Israeli hostages are believed to be held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Recent videos released by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad have shown hostages in emaciated conditions, with distressing images of hostage Evyatar David digging what he claims is his own grave, and both men exhibiting severe malnutrition.
The international community, including the UN Security Council, has called for Hamas' disarmament and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is critical, with widespread malnutrition, a risk of famine, and deaths from hunger-related causes. The blockade of Gaza and the food insecurity and aid restrictions imposed by Israel are contributing factors.
However, Hamas has not publicly detailed formal conditions for the hostages' release. They have, however, made it clear that the agreement is conditional upon Israel ensuring a comprehensive and long-term supply of food and medicine to the Palestinian civilian population in the Gaza Strip.
In addition to the 20 living hostages, Hamas also holds the remains of another 28 to 30 captives. Israel, on the other hand, demands the disarmament of Hamas and the exile of their leaders as a condition for any hostage release.
Hamas has offered to release the hostages if Israel withdraws from the Gaza Strip and ceases all military operations against them. The Islamist group has also agreed to allow the Red Cross to supply Israeli hostages with food and medicine. Israel, in response, has asked the Red Cross to immediately provide food and medicine to the Israeli hostages.
The situation has shocked the Israeli public and many worldwide, with suspicion that Hamas deliberately brought their hostages to the brink of starvation to put pressure on the Netanyahu government. Hamas has used these horrifying images as a tool of psychological warfare.
As the international community continues to press for a resolution, the fate of these hostages hangs in the balance, their lives a stark reminder of the urgency for a peaceful and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
[1] "Israeli hostages in Gaza: Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad hold 49 Israelis captive, with some hostages confirmed dead and others in emaciated condition." The Guardian. 2025.
[2] "UN Security Council calls for Hamas disarmament and hostage release as integral to achieving ceasefire and long-term political solution." UN News. 2025.
[3] "There is no military solution to the conflict: UN and other international actors advocate for political frameworks." Reuters. 2025.
[4] "Hamas rejects demand for unconditional release of Israeli hostages." Associated Press. 2025.
- The ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict has resulted in Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad holding 49 Israeli hostages in Gaza, with some hostages in emaciated conditions and at least some confirmed dead.
- The United Nations Security Council has called for Hamas' disarmament and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages as part of their efforts to achieve a ceasefire and a long-term political solution.
- In the midst of the conflict, many international actors, including the UN, are advocating for political frameworks rather than military solutions to bring about a peaceful and lasting resolution.
- Despite the UN's calls for an unconditional hostage release, Hamas has rejected these demands and is only willing to release the hostages if Israel withdraws from the Gaza Strip and ceases all military operations against them.
