Red Cross says it’s ‘relieved’ by return of Alexander, calls for truce to be ‘urgently reinstated’

After facilitating the release of Hamas hostage Edan Alexander today, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) says it is “relieved that one more family has been reunited today.”

“This nightmare, however, continues for the remaining hostages, their families, and hundreds of thousands of civilians across Gaza,” says ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric, before urging a ceasefire.

“We urgently need political will to save lives and reinstate the ceasefire. It is critical that civilians are spared from hostilities, humanitarian relief enters Gaza, and more families are reunited,” she says.

The ICRC also condemns the “horrific” continued captivity of the remaining 58 hostages, noting it violates international law.

It adds: “The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza is catastrophic. Under international humanitarian law, the rapid and unhindered passage of humanitarian relief for civilians must be allowed and facilitated. The ICRC also reiterates that it must be given access to Palestinian detainees held by Israel.”

The ICRC calls for the ceasefire that collapsed in March to be “urgently reinstated,” and reiterates its commitment to helping any aid operations or further releases of hostages.