Conditions:
- Hamas says it’s willing to coordinate with the Red Cross to deliver aid to Israeli hostages only if:
- Israel halts airstrikes during aid delivery
- Permanent humanitarian corridors are established
- Israel halts airstrikes during aid delivery
The offer follows global outrage after Hamas released a disturbing video of hostage Evyatar David, visibly emaciated and digging what he claimed was his own grave.
Western powers, including the U.S., UK, France, and Germany, condemned the footage. The UN Security Council will hold a special session on Tuesday.
Israel says 50 hostages remain in Gaza, only 20 believed to be alive. Families remain largely uninformed.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza Deepens
- 6 more people died of starvation/malnutrition in 24 hours, raising the toll to 175 (including 93 children)
- Fuel shortages have crippled Gaza’s hospitals and essential services
- Israel allowed 4 tankers of UN fuel into Gaza; no confirmation on 2 diesel trucks promised by Egypt
In response to rising global criticism:
- COGAT says 23,000+ tons of aid entered Gaza last week via 1,200 trucks
- However, hundreds of trucks remain undelivered due to looting, logistical breakdowns, and insecurity
- UN and aid agencies say airdrops are not enough, urging for more land access
Clashes continue:
- 80+ Palestinians killed on Sunday by Israeli strikes, including those seeking aid
- A Palestinian Red Crescent staff member was killed in an Israeli strike in Khan Younis
Background
- War began Oct 7, 2023, when Hamas killed 1,200 Israelis and took 251 hostages
- Israel’s response has killed over 60,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials
Humanitarian agencies warn of a looming famine in Gaza, home to 2.2 million mostly displaced people