Daijiworld Media Network – Gaza
Gaza, Aug 4: Hamas has expressed willingness to allow the International Red Cross access to hostages it holds in Gaza, but only if Israel permanently opens humanitarian corridors and halts airstrikes during aid delivery. The move follows global outrage after a video showed a frail Israeli hostage, Evyatar David, digging his own grave.
The disturbing footage sparked condemnation from the US, UK, France, and Germany. Israel responded by urging the UN Security Council to hold a special session on Tuesday, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu requesting Red Cross intervention for hostages.
Israeli officials say around 50 hostages remain in Gaza, but only 20 are believed to be alive. Hamas has blocked all access to them, offering no updates to their families.
The Hostages Families Forum condemned Hamas’ conditions, stating, “Every hostage who dies is on Hamas’ hands. They must be released immediately.”
Meanwhile, Gaza’s humanitarian crisis is deepening. Six more deaths from starvation were reported Sunday, even as limited fuel and aid deliveries resumed. Egypt announced two trucks carrying 107 tons of diesel were heading to Gaza, though entry confirmation was pending. Israel’s COGAT agency said four UN fuel tankers were allowed in to support hospitals, bakeries, and public kitchens.
Despite over 1,200 trucks carrying aid entering Gaza in the past week, UN officials warned much of the aid is stuck due to security issues, with several convoys looted by armed groups and desperate civilians.
France and Belgium have launched aid airdrops, joining Jordan in attempting to reach the 2.2 million displaced Palestinians amid rubble and devastation. Gaza’s health ministry says fuel shortages continue to cripple hospital services, affecting only the most critical cases.
Violence also surged on Sunday with at least 80 Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes, including people trying to reach aid points. Among the dead was a staffer of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, after a strike hit its Khan Younis headquarters.
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched a deadly attack into southern Israel, killing over 1,200 and taking 251 hostages. Israel’s ongoing retaliation has killed more than 60,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials.