Liberman: Gaza aid contingent on Red Cross visiting captive Israelis

Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman says an increase in the amount of humanitarian aid for the Gaza Strip would be contingent upon Hamas allowing the Red Cross to visit the Israelis held captive in the Palestinian enclave.

“We’re asking for the most obvious, humane humanitarian gesture — at least letting the Red Cross see our captives and fallen soldiers,” Liberman says during a visit to the Gaza border area. “After that it will be much easier, not necessarily to reach a long-term ‘hudna’ (ceasefire), but to give humanitarian aid to the residents of Gaza.”

Two living Israeli men — Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed — and the remains two fallen soldiers — Oron Shaul and Hadar Goldin — are believed to be held captive by the terror group in the Gaza Strip. Hamas has refused aid groups access to see them in violation of international law.

Goldin’s parents have led an influential campaign calling on the government to take a harsher line on Gaza until the captives are returned.

— Judah Ari Gross