As international pressure grows and heartbreaking images of hostages emerge, Hamas has announced it is conditionally willing to allow Red Cross aid to reach the Israeli hostages still held in Gaza.
But the offer comes with a catch: Hamas insists Israel must first open permanent humanitarian corridors and halt all aerial operations during aid deliveries.
A Shocking Glimpse Into Captivity
The offer followed the release of deeply disturbing footage of hostage Evyatar David, who’s now been in captivity for nearly 700 days.
The video, filmed in one of Hamas’s underground tunnels, shows him shirtless, lying on a filthy mattress, and scribbling on the wall—looking thin and frail.
In a chilling moment, the video even depicts David digging what he claims is his own grave.
It also accuses Israel of starving both Palestinians and its own citizens held hostage.
Evyatar David’s Story and the Last Proof of Life
David was kidnapped during the October 7, 2023, Nova music festival attack, and the last time the world saw any proof he was alive was back in February.
At the time, Hamas released a video showing him and fellow hostage Guy Gilboa Dalal sitting in a car, watching others being freed during a short-lived ceasefire.
Netanyahu Pleads With Red Cross to Step In
After the release of the latest footage, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally appealed to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
He spoke with Julien Lerisson, the regional coordinator, and urged him to step in immediately to provide medical assistance and food to those still held in captivity.
In a public response, the ICRC said it was “appalled” by the footage and reiterated its urgent request to be granted access to the hostages.
A Series of Disturbing Videos Fuels Public Outrage
Over the past few days, Hamas and Islamic Jihad have released three separate videos featuring hostages taken during the October 7 attacks.
The images of Rom Braslavski and Evyatar David have caused a fresh wave of anger in Israel.
Both men appeared dangerously underweight and in visibly poor health.
Protesters Take to the Streets
As emotions boil over, tens of thousands of Israelis flooded the streets of Tel Aviv, demanding the government do more to bring the remaining hostages home.
Netanyahu’s office confirmed that he had spoken directly with the families of Braslavski and David, expressing “profound shock” over the images and reaffirming that efforts to secure their return are ongoing.
What We Know About the Remaining Hostages
As of now, 49 hostages taken during the October 2023 attack remain in Gaza, including 27 believed to be dead, according to the Israeli military.
While 251 people were kidnapped during the attack, most were released during two temporary ceasefires, some in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
The Broader Human Cost of the War
The October 7 attack by Hamas killed 1,219 people in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.
Since then, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has led to the deaths of at least 60,430 people, also mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, whose figures are generally accepted by the UN.
The Palestine Red Crescent Society also reported that one of its workers was recently killed during an Israeli strike on its Khan Yunis headquarters in southern Gaza.
What Happens Next?
With international pressure mounting, public protests growing louder, and disturbing visuals stirring global empathy, the spotlight is now back on Israel, Hamas, and humanitarian groups like the Red Cross.
Whether this conditional offer leads to real access for aid—and real relief for the hostages—remains to be seen.
This story is still unfolding, and more updates are expected soon.