Hamas has announced it is ready to coordinate with the Red Cross to deliver aid to Israeli hostages held in Gaza, on the condition that Israel halts airstrikes and establishes permanent humanitarian corridors, Reuters reports.
The statement comes after Hamas faced heavy criticism from Western powers over the release of a video showing an Israeli hostage in extremely poor health.
Hamas officials said any cooperation with the Red Cross depends on Israel opening sustained humanitarian access and ceasing airstrikes during aid deliveries.
According to Israeli authorities, around 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with only 20 believed to still be alive. Hamas has so far barred charities and aid organizations from accessing the captives, leaving their families with little information about their condition.
On Saturday, Hamas published its second video in two days of hostage Evyatar David, who appeared severely emaciated. In the footage, David is seen digging a hole which he claims is intended to be his own grave. The arm of a person filming him, who appears healthy, is visible in the recording.
The disturbing video has sparked widespread outrage among Western governments and horrified the Israeli public. France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States were among the nations expressing strong condemnation, while Israel announced that the UN Security Council will hold an emergency session on Tuesday morning to address the plight of the hostages in Gaza.
