Tel Aviv, 4 August (H.S.): Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has leveled accusations against Hamas, claiming that the group is not interested in a ceasefire deal.

On Sunday, Netanyahu cited the latest images of Hamas captives as evidence of bad faith. “When I see this, I understand exactly what Hamas wants. They don’t want a deal. They want to break us with these horrifying videos, with the false horror propaganda they’re spreading around the world,” he said.

His comments come amid rising public outrage following the release of propaganda videos featuring two Israeli hostages, Evyatar David and Rom Braslavski, who appeared severely malnourished. The unsettling footage has intensified calls from the public for the government to negotiate a deal for the release of all Israeli hostages still held by Hamas.

On a recent Saturday evening, tens of thousands gathered in Tel Aviv to protest, with their signs demanding an end to the war and urging that no hostages be left behind. This grassroots mobilization highlights the mounting pressure on Netanyahu to take decisive action. The emotional response to the videos had resonance not only domestically but also internationally, as leaders from various countries condemned the incidents, labeling them unacceptable. French President Emmanuel Macron remarked that the footage was unbearable, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz asserted that such acts illustrate that Hamas should play no future role in Gaza.

In response to the outcry, Netanyahu reached out to the International Red Cross (ICRC), urging them to provide food and medical aid to the hostages. His office has consistently denied assertions that widespread starvation exists within the Gaza Strip, despite a warning from a United Nations-backed food security agency forecasting a potential famine crisis in the region.

The ICRC expressed its horror at the videos of the hostages and emphasized the necessity for the dire situation to be addressed. They have offered to engage with Hamas to facilitate assistance but stress that the establishment of humanitarian corridors in Gaza is a prerequisite for delivering aid.Hamas, for its part, claims it is open to “dealing positively” with any legitimate request from the Red Cross for sending food and medicine.

However, this willingness is contingent upon the creation of humanitarian paths. The militant organization has contended that the poor health of the hostages is indicative of deteriorating conditions in the Gaza Strip. Previous released hostages have also shown signs of malnutrition, indicating systemic issues rather than targeted neglect.The militant leadership, particularly through Abu Obeida, spokesperson for Hamas’ military wing al-Qassam Brigades, has distinctively stated that they do not purposely inflict starvation on hostages but rather they consume the same food available to both fighters and the broader civilian population in Gaza. He added that no special treatment would be given to the hostages amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Moreover, Izzat Al-Rashiq, a member of Hamas’ political bureau, has described the release of the videos as a counter to those doubting the existence of hunger in Gaza. As reported, malnutrition-related fatalities have surged in Gaza, with increasing cases of severe malnutrition among children reflecting a grim humanitarian landscape.In addition to the immediate concerns regarding the hostages, the conditions for aid distribution in Gaza remain precarious, with reports of violent incidents disrupting humanitarian efforts. For instance, a recent shooting near an aid distribution site resulted in multiple deaths and injuries, exemplifying the dangers faced by civilians attempting to access desperately needed assistance.

The possibility of the Red Cross gaining access to the hostages represents a notable policy shift for Hamas, which has previously rejected any engagement with humanitarian organizations regarding hostages. The ICRC has lamented that despite its attempts to visit hostages for much of the conflict, such efforts have been thwarted.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar