Israeli officials estimate that approximately 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with only around 20 still believed to be alive. Hamas has denied humanitarian agencies any access to the captives, leaving families desperate for even basic information about their loved ones’ conditions.
On Saturday, August 2nd, Hamas released a video of Israeli hostage Evyatar David, which shows David visibly gaunt and frail, digging a hole he describes as his own grave. The video caused outrage in Israel and condemnation from Western politicians.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday, August 3rd, that he had appealed to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to provide humanitarian aid to the hostages, following a conversation with the head of the ICRC’s local delegation.
Hamas said it is willing to coordinate with the Red Cross, but only if Israel permanently opens humanitarian corridors and suspends the airstrikes during the aid distribution.
