Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a long security meeting with top defence officials on Tuesday. According to a post on his official X account, the meeting lasted more than three hours. During the session, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief-of-Staff presented various military options for continuing operations in Gaza.

The post stated, "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a three-hour security discussion today, in which options for proceeding with the campaign in Gaza were presented by the IDF Chief-of-Staff. The IDF is prepared to carry out any decision made by the Security Cabinet." This update was shared around 10:08 pm IST.

Hamas Open to Red Cross Aid for Hostages

Meanwhile, Hamas has shown a willingness to allow the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to send aid to Israeli captives in Gaza. This came after Netanyahu asked the Geneva-based group to help. According to Al Jazeera, Netanyahu had spoken to Julian Larson, the ICRC’s head in Israel, and requested their "immediate involvement" in giving food and medical help to the hostages.

Videos Show Starving Hostages

Last week, Palestinian groups released videos of two Israeli captives who appeared extremely thin. These disturbing images came as about 2 million people in Gaza face widespread hunger. In response, Netanyahu posted on X that Hamas was spreading a “lie of starvation” in Gaza, while in reality, “systematic starvation is being carried out against our hostages.”

Hamas Responds to Accusations

Hamas’s military wing, the Qassam Brigades, rejected the claim. Spokesman Abu Obeida said the captives “eat what our fighters and all our people eat” and would not receive special treatment during the “crime of starvation and siege.” However, he added, “Hamas is ready to act positively and respond to any request from the Red Cross to deliver food and medicine to enemy prisoners.”

He also demanded the creation of permanent humanitarian corridors to allow aid for all Gazans. Additionally, he asked Israel to stop attacking during the delivery of packages to hostages.

Red Cross Demands Access to Hostages

The ICRC said it was “appalled by the harrowing videos” of the hostages and repeated its appeal to visit them. The organization added, “These videos are stark evidence of the life-threatening conditions in which the hostages are being held.” They acknowledged that families were heartbroken seeing their loved ones in such poor condition.

On its website, the ICRC explained that getting access depends on cooperation from all sides. It also revealed it had not been able to visit any Palestinian detainees in Israeli jails since October 7, 2023.

Red Crescent Staff Killed in Gaza

In another incident, the ICRC condemned the death of a Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) staff member in Khan Younis. According to Al Jazeera, the staff member died in a “clearly marked” PRCS building. The group blamed Israeli forces for the attack.

Families of Captives Criticize Netanyahu’s Military-Only Approach

Families of Israeli captives also raised their voices. They criticized Netanyahu’s belief that only military action can solve the crisis. They warned that this view puts their loved ones at even greater risk. In their statement, they said, “For 22 months, the public has been sold the illusion that military pressure will bring back the hostages.” They added that even before any formal agreement was reached, the government had already dismissed the idea of negotiations.

Currently, about 50 Israeli captives remain in Gaza. Less than half are believed to be alive.

Aid Blocked While Starvation Spreads

Meanwhile, the Gaza Government Media Office reported that Israel allowed only 36 aid trucks into Gaza last Saturday. Over 22,000 trucks are still waiting outside with food supplies.

UN Warns of Massive Starvation Among Women and Girls

The United Nations office in Geneva issued a strong warning. It said one million women and girls in Gaza are now starving. In a post on X, the UN wrote: “One million. That's how many women and girls are starving in Gaza. This horrific situation is unacceptable and must end.” The statement also demanded an immediate ceasefire, full delivery of aid, and release of all hostages.

Deaths Due to Starvation Continue to Rise

According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, at least 175 people have died from hunger. This number includes 93 children. One of the recent victims was 17-year-old Atef Abu Khater. He died on Saturday weighing just 25 kg (55 lbs).