Hamas's military spokesperson, Abu Obeidah, stated on 3/8 that they are "ready to cooperate actively and meet any requests from the Red Cross to bring food and medicine" to the hostages if certain conditions are met.
This hinges on Israel permanently opening humanitarian corridors and halting airstrikes in the area during aid distribution.
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Hamas hands over a hostage to the Red Cross in Deir el-Balah, central Gaza, on 8/2. Photo: AFP |
Hamas hands over a hostage to the Red Cross in Deir el-Balah, central Gaza, on 8/2. Photo: AFP
A statement from the Hostage Family Forum, representing relatives of those held in Gaza, emphasized that Hamas's comments about the hostages cannot hide the fact that they "have held innocent people in unimaginable conditions for over 660 days".
The statement asserted, "Until the hostages are released, Hamas has an obligation to provide everything they need. Hamas kidnapped them and must care for them. Hamas will be held responsible for every hostage who dies".
According to Israeli officials, Hamas is holding 50 hostages in Gaza, of whom only 20 are believed to be alive. The group has barred humanitarian organizations from accessing the hostages, so families have little or no information about their condition.
On 2/8, Hamas released a second video of Israeli hostage Evyatar David. In the video, an emaciated David is seen digging what he says is his own grave.
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Evyatar David beneath a concrete tunnel in a video released by Hamas on 1/8. Image from the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades video |
Evyatar David beneath a concrete tunnel in a video released by Hamas on 1/8. Image from the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades video
The video sparked strong criticism from Western powers and horrified the Israeli public. France, Germany, the UK, and the US expressed outrage. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the UN Security Council will hold a special session on the morning of 5/8 to discuss the hostage situation in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on 3/8 that he was appalled by the video released by Hamas, adding that he had requested humanitarian aid for the hostages from the Red Cross.
Vu Hoang (Reuters)
