Hamas Signals Openness to Aid for Hostages as Disturbing Video Sparks Global Outrage

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Hamas has indicated a conditional willingness to allow the delivery of food and medicine to Israeli hostages held in Gaza, as international condemnation intensifies over disturbing footage of a captive Israeli citizen. The statement follows a renewed push by Israel for humanitarian assistance to reach those still in Hamas custody.

The militant group announced it would consider cooperating with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to provide essential aid to hostages, but only if Israel agrees to permanently open a humanitarian corridor into the Gaza Strip and suspend airstrikes during aid distribution. Hamas spokesperson Abu Obeidah said the group is “ready to engage positively and respond to any request from the Red Cross to bring food and medicine to enemy captives,” but made clear such cooperation depends on specific Israeli concessions.

This comes after Hamas released two videos of 24-year-old hostage Evyatar David, abducted during the 7 October 2023 attacks. The footage, showing him visibly emaciated, has drawn widespread outrage. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas condemned the videos as “appalling,” calling them further evidence of the “barbarity of Hamas.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed he has asked the ICRC to deliver aid to hostages still held in Gaza. Israel maintains that it is actively working to support humanitarian efforts in the region, with authorities stating, “There is no famine caused by Israel,” and that the military is facilitating the distribution of aid despite the ongoing conflict.

Between March and May of this year, no humanitarian supplies entered Gaza due to an Israeli blockade, and access has remained limited since. According to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, 175 individuals, including 93 children, have died from starvation or malnutrition since the conflict began. Multiple aid agencies have raised alarms over the growing risk of famine across the enclave.

Reports from Palestinian health authorities claimed that at least 80 people were killed on Tuesday due to Israeli military actions, including individuals allegedly attempting to reach aid convoys. However, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) continues to reject claims of deliberate civilian targeting and asserts that Hamas is responsible for much of the chaos, often using civilians as shields and obstructing aid routes.

Hamas launched the conflict on 7 October 2023, killing approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 251 hostages. Roughly 50 remain in captivity, with 20 believed to be alive, following previous releases during negotiated ceasefires. Israel’s ongoing military response has reportedly resulted in over 60,000 deaths, based on figures from Hamas-controlled sources that do not distinguish between combatants and civilians.