Published: 21 December 2023
Last updated: 17 April 2026
The International Red Cross is active in Gaza, but it has not visited the hostages. NOAM GREENBERGER assesses why the international aid organisation is failing captives taken on October 7.
Following the Hamas invasion and kidnapping of roughly 240 hostages on October 7, the role of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has come under scrutiny. Much criticism has been levelled at its failure to provide humanitarian assistance to the hostages — or even obtain proof of life. There have been numerous demonstrations around the world (including in Melbourne) outside Red Cross offices.
Israelis have become increasingly frustrated with what they perceive to be the ICRC’s ineptitude. After more than 70 days in captivity, the roughly 140 remaining hostages have never been visited by the ICRC. Added to this are the testimonies of those who have been released from Hamas captivity as to sexual assaults, beatings, being kept in cages, denial of medicine and medical treatment, meagre food and water rations, parents being separated from children and children being forced to watch videos of the October 7 massacre.
According to the hostages’ families the ICRC has provided no support to them, instead urging them to consider the plight of Gazans. It has also avoided publicising the treatment faced by hostages under Hamas’ control. This would bring international attention to their dire predicament. It would also show the hostage survivors that their suffering matters.
The ICRC has demanded access to and the immediate release of all hostages. However, it is not possible to know whether it has exhausted all diplomatic options behind the scenes.
