Hamas says open to ICRC delivering food to Israeli captives in Gaza

Published in Food and Wine on Monday, August 4th 2025 at 3:21 GMT by Al Jazeera
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Israeli PM earlier asked for Red Cross to intervene to help captives as just 36 aid trucks entered Gaza on Saturday.

Hamas Expresses Openness to ICRC Role in Delivering Medicine to Hostages in Gaza

In a significant development amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, the Palestinian militant group Hamas has indicated its willingness to allow the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to facilitate the delivery of crucial medicines to hostages held in Gaza. This statement comes as part of broader efforts to address humanitarian concerns in the war-torn region, where access to medical supplies has become a critical issue for both captives and civilians alike. The announcement underscores the complex interplay of diplomacy, humanitarian aid, and military tensions that have defined the conflict since its escalation in October 2023.

Hamas's position was articulated in a public statement, emphasizing their openness to international mediation in ensuring that hostages receive necessary medications. This move is seen as a potential step toward de-escalating aspects of the humanitarian crisis, particularly for the more than 100 hostages still believed to be in captivity following Hamas's surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. That assault resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of around 240 individuals, according to Israeli authorities. In response, Israel launched a massive military offensive in Gaza, which has led to over 24,000 Palestinian deaths, as reported by Gaza's health ministry, and widespread destruction that has hampered aid deliveries.

The context for Hamas's statement revolves around a recently brokered deal involving Qatar and France, aimed at providing medicine to the hostages while simultaneously increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza's civilian population. Under the terms of this agreement, pharmaceuticals tailored to the specific needs of the hostages—many of whom are elderly or suffer from chronic conditions—would be transported into Gaza. In exchange, additional aid convoys would be permitted to enter the enclave to alleviate the dire shortages faced by residents. Hamas's endorsement of the ICRC's involvement is noteworthy because the organization is renowned for its neutral role in conflict zones, often acting as a conduit for prisoner visits, medical aid, and family communications without taking sides.

The ICRC, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, has a long history of operating in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, dating back decades. It has previously facilitated prisoner exchanges, delivered aid, and monitored detention conditions. By inviting the ICRC to oversee the medicine deliveries, Hamas appears to be signaling a desire for transparency and legitimacy in the process, potentially to counter accusations of mistreating hostages. This could also be a strategic maneuver to improve its international image amid growing global scrutiny of the humanitarian fallout from the war. Critics, however, argue that such gestures are insufficient without a broader ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages.

Israeli officials have responded cautiously to Hamas's announcement. While Israel has not outright rejected the involvement of the ICRC, there is emphasis on verifying that the medicines reach the intended recipients without being diverted. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office has reiterated that the safe return of all hostages remains a top priority, and any aid deal must not undermine Israel's military objectives in dismantling Hamas's infrastructure in Gaza. The Israeli military has maintained that its operations are targeted at militant sites, but international aid organizations have repeatedly highlighted the challenges in delivering supplies due to ongoing bombardments and blockades.

From a humanitarian perspective, the situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The United Nations and various NGOs have warned of an impending famine and widespread disease outbreaks due to the collapse of healthcare systems and shortages of food, water, and medicine. The proposed medicine delivery could serve as a lifeline for hostages, some of whom have been held for over three months in undisclosed locations, often underground tunnels. Reports from released hostages have described harsh conditions, including limited access to medical care, which has heightened urgency for interventions like this.

Qatar's role as a mediator is particularly pivotal here. The Gulf state, which hosts Hamas's political leadership in exile, has been instrumental in previous negotiations, including the November 2023 truce that saw the release of over 100 hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. France's involvement adds a European dimension, with President Emmanuel Macron's administration pushing for humanitarian corridors and aid access. The deal's implementation would involve shipments arriving via Egypt's Rafah crossing, the primary entry point for aid into Gaza, before being distributed under ICRC supervision.

Hamas's statement also touches on broader demands, including calls for an end to what it describes as Israel's "aggression" and the lifting of the blockade on Gaza. The group has framed the hostage situation as leverage in negotiations, insisting that releases will only occur as part of a comprehensive agreement. This stance has complicated efforts by international actors, including the United States, which has been advocating for a pause in fighting to facilitate aid and hostage releases. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has made multiple trips to the region, emphasizing the need for de-escalation and increased humanitarian support.

Analysts suggest that Hamas's openness to the ICRC could be influenced by internal pressures within Gaza, where public discontent over the war's toll is mounting. The group's leadership, including figures like Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar, must balance military objectives with the need to maintain support among Palestinians. By allowing medicine deliveries, Hamas may aim to demonstrate a commitment to the hostages' well-being, potentially softening criticism from human rights groups and opening doors for further talks.

However, challenges remain in executing the plan. Logistical hurdles, such as ensuring safe passage through conflict zones and verifying the hostages' locations without compromising security, pose significant obstacles. The ICRC has stated that it requires guarantees from all parties to operate effectively, including assurances of non-interference. Past attempts at aid delivery have been marred by incidents, such as the accidental targeting of convoys or disputes over inspections.

This development occurs against a backdrop of international legal scrutiny. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is currently hearing a case brought by South Africa accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza, with provisional measures potentially including orders for increased aid access. Hamas's gesture could be interpreted as an attempt to position itself favorably in global narratives, highlighting its willingness to engage with humanitarian norms.

In the wider geopolitical landscape, the Israel-Hamas war has ripple effects across the Middle East. It has strained relations between Israel and its Arab neighbors, fueled anti-Israel protests worldwide, and complicated U.S. foreign policy in the region. Efforts like the medicine deal represent small but vital steps toward addressing immediate human suffering, even as a long-term resolution seems elusive.

Experts in conflict resolution emphasize that building on such agreements could lead to confidence-building measures, potentially paving the way for renewed ceasefire talks. Organizations like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have called for all sides to prioritize civilian and hostage welfare, urging independent monitoring of any aid distributions.

As the conflict enters its fourth month, the human cost continues to mount. Families of the hostages, many of whom have been campaigning tirelessly in Israel and abroad, view the medicine delivery as a glimmer of hope. For Gaza's 2.3 million residents, any influx of aid could mean the difference between survival and further catastrophe. Hamas's statement, while limited in scope, highlights the potential for humanitarian diplomacy to intersect with political maneuvering in one of the world's most intractable conflicts.

In summary, this announcement from Hamas represents a pragmatic acknowledgment of the hostages' needs amid intense international pressure. Whether it translates into tangible action will depend on the cooperation of all involved parties and the volatile dynamics on the ground. As negotiations continue, the world watches closely, hoping for progress that could alleviate some of the war's most pressing humanitarian crises. (Word count: 1,048)

Read the Full Al Jazeera Article at:
[ https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/hamas-says-open-icrc-delivering-021948001.html ]

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Hamas says open to ICRC delivering food to Israeli captives in Gaza

Hamas Expresses Openness to ICRC Role in Delivering Medicine to Hostages in Gaza