Tel Aviv, Aug 04 (V7N) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appealed to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to urgently provide food and medical care to Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, amid mounting domestic and international pressure over their deteriorating conditions.

The appeal followed the release of propaganda videos by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, showing Aviatar David and Roman Braslavsky, two Israeli captives, appearing emaciated and frail, sparking widespread outrage.

Thousands took to the streets of Tel Aviv on Saturday night (August 2), holding placards such as “Stop the war” and “No one should be left behind,” calling for a hostage release deal and an end to the conflict.

Reacting to the footage, the Red Cross in Israel and the occupied territories called the videos “appalling” and said, “This terrible situation must end.”

Global leaders also voiced concern:

  • French President Emmanuel Macron called the footage “intolerable.”

  • German Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared the images prove “Hamas should have no role in Gaza’s future.”

Netanyahu’s office confirmed that he spoke to Julien Larison, the ICRC’s regional head, requesting that humanitarian aid be allowed for the hostages.

Meanwhile, despite the UN-backed Food Security Agency warning of a famine-like situation in Gaza, Netanyahu denied that a famine exists. His government maintains that Hamas is obstructing ceasefire efforts.

In response, Hamas stated it would “positively consider” any ICRC request to deliver aid to the hostages, provided that a humanitarian corridor is opened to facilitate safe delivery.

The hostage crisis remains a high-stakes issue in the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, with both domestic political pressure and international scrutiny increasing.

END/RH/AJ