The release of two American hostages in Gaza is “a ray of hope” after “two weeks of agony,” said today Mirjana Spoljaric, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the organization that mediated the release and transported the two released to Israel.
“We are very relieved that they can return after two weeks of agony, and we continue to call for action to protect and alleviate the suffering of all civilians affected by this devastating conflict,” stressed the head of the century-old organization in a video message.
“We continue to call for the immediate release of all hostages, and we are ready to visit them and facilitate their release following agreements between the parties,” Spoljaric added.
She stressed that during their captivity the hostages must receive humanitarian assistance, medical care, and “the opportunity to contact their families.”
“It is essential that the sides in a conflict maintain a minimum of humanity even in the worst of a war,” said the head of the committee, who also stated that “the population of Gaza cannot continue waiting for the help they desperately need.” “.
“Hospitals are on the brink of collapse, families are sleeping rough with little food and water, and we urgently call for a pause in the fighting so that humanitarian aid can come in,” she concluded.
The freed hostages, a mother and her daughter (Judith Tai Raanan and Natalie Shoshana Raanan), were released for “humanitarian reasons” after mediation by Qatar, as confirmed today by the spokesperson for the Al Qasam Brigades (armed wing of Hamas). , Abu Obeida
Both were kidnapped by the Palestinian organization that governs Gaza during its attack on Israeli territory on October 7, when they were in the Nahal Oz kibbutz.
The Israeli Army estimates that around 200 hostages are still held hostage by Hamas.
TYT Newsroom
