Red Cross ‘very concerned’ about conditions of remaining Gaza hostages

The International Committee of the Red Cross, which is partially facilitating the hostage-prisoner exchanges between Israel and Hamas, says it is “very concerned” about the conditions of the remaining captives held by the Gaza terror group.

The statement comes as Israel prepares for the expected release of three hostages on Saturday.

“The latest release operations reinforce the urgent need for ICRC access to those held hostage. We remain very concerned about the conditions of the hostages,” the Red Cross says in a statement on X, referring to last week’s release of Eli Sharabi, Or Levy, and Ohad Ben Ami, who all appeared gaunt, frail, and unsteady on their feet.

“We have consistently reiterated that release and transfer operations should be carried out in a dignified and safe manner,” the organization insists. “The ICRC will continue our efforts to see all hostages released, until the last hostage is returned.”

After 16 months of waiting, uncertainty, and unimaginable worry, 21 hostages have finally been released and reunited with their loved ones. pic.twitter.com/SQKuTGXlHS

— ICRC in Israel & OT (@ICRC_ilot) February 14, 2025

The Red Cross has faced heavy criticism in Israel since October 7, 2023, for its failure to secure any meaningful aid for the 251 hostages taken by terrorists that day — whether by monitoring their conditions or providing them with basic humanitarian assistance, including medicine.

The emaciated appearance of the hostages last week shocked the families of captives and the world, and prompted the ICRC to call on Hamas to ensure subsequent swaps are more private and dignified.

However, the organization had previously said that it has no control over how Hamas conducts itself during the handover process.