Hamas has announced it is willing to coordinate with the Red Cross to deliver humanitarian aid to Israeli hostages held in Gaza, but only if Israel halts its airstrikes and opens permanent humanitarian corridors. The statement followed the release of a disturbing video of Israeli hostage Evyatar David, emaciated and forced to dig what he described as his own grave, prompting outrage from Western nations.
Israel estimates that 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with only 20 believed to be alive. Hamas has thus far denied humanitarian groups access to the captives. The Hostages Families Forum condemned Hamas’ treatment of the captives, stressing that the group must ensure their wellbeing and demanding their immediate release.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he has asked the Red Cross to assist the hostages. A special session of the UN Security Council is scheduled for Tuesday to address the deteriorating conditions.
Meanwhile, Gaza’s humanitarian crisis deepens. The territory’s health ministry reported six more deaths due to starvation or malnutrition, raising the toll to 175—93 of them children—since the war began in October 2023. Fuel shortages continue to cripple hospitals, with Israel easing aid restrictions only recently in response to global pressure.
Egyptian media reported the planned entry of two fuel trucks carrying 107 tons of diesel, though confirmation is pending. Israel’s COGAT said four U.N. fuel tankers have entered Gaza for hospitals and essential services. Still, the UN insists air drops and partial pauses in fighting are inadequate, calling for broader land access to prevent famine.
The situation is further complicated by looting, with witnesses saying that many of the nearly 1,600 aid trucks allowed in since July have been intercepted by desperate civilians and armed groups.
On Sunday, at least 80 more Palestinians were reported killed by Israeli strikes, including a Palestinian Red Crescent worker in Khan Younis. Since the October 7 Hamas attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and took 251 hostages, over 60,000 Palestinians have died in Israel’s response, according to Gaza health officials.
Efforts to de-escalate remain fragile amid continued violence and worsening humanitarian conditions.
