Hamas will enable assistance to captives only if Israel establishes humanitarian passageways
The images of Rom Braslavski and Evyatar David, two hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, have fueled renewed calls for a truce and hostage release deal. The current situation is dire, with approximately 49-50 hostages still being held, some of whom are believed to have perished.
The past week has seen a significant escalation in violence, with at least 70 Palestinians, including 37 seeking aid, killed in Israeli attacks on Sunday [1][2]. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with widespread famine risks and significant malnutrition-related deaths, further complicating negotiations and conditions on the ground [1].
The hostages are reportedly being held in very harsh and inhumane conditions, with disturbing images released recently showing emaciated captives, which has sparked international outrage [2]. Hamas has stated it will coordinate with the Red Cross to deliver aid to the hostages it holds in Gaza, but only if food and aid are distributed across all areas of the enclave [3].
Negotiations for their release remain ongoing but have faced significant challenges. Israel is reportedly debating a full military invasion of Gaza to rescue the hostages, but its military warns such an operation could cause heavy Israeli casualties and also endanger the remaining hostages, as Hamas might execute captives if Israeli forces enter areas where hostages are held [3].
Internationally, the UN Security Council has reiterated calls for the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages and highlighted the need for a political solution to the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict to ensure lasting peace and security [1][2]. The recent High-level International Conference on the Palestine question emphasized that Hamas’s disarmament and hostage release are prerequisites for a new ceasefire and political settlement; notably, the League of Arab States endorsed this position for the first time [1].
Meanwhile, families of the hostages continue to protest for an immediate deal to secure their release [3]. Saudi Arabia and Jordan have denounced Itamar Ben-Gvir's visit to Al Aqsa Mosque as provocative. Israel allowed a delivery of fuel to Gaza and is considering ending air strikes and opening permanent humanitarian corridors as a condition for this aid delivery [4].
In a recent development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is "pushing for the release of the hostages through decisive military victory," according to a diplomatic source quoted by local media [5]. However, the Al Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, has stated that the hostages are not intentionally starved but will not receive special food privileges at a time of starvation in the enclave [3].
As the crisis continues, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a peaceful resolution and the safe return of the hostages.
References: [1] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/1/gaza-crisis-israel-palestine-hostages-hamas-un-security-council [2] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/gaza-crisis-israel-palestine-hostages-hamas-un-security-council-2025-08-01/ [3] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-59874418 [4] https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/palestinians/.premium-israel-to-allow-delivery-of-fuel-to-gaza-1.106101341 [5] https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-pushing-for-decisive-military-victory-to-free-gaza-hostages-diplomatic-source/
- The images of Rom Braslavski and Evyatar David, two Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, have stirred opinions demanding a truce and hostage release deal, especially as approximately 49-50 hostages remain, with concerns that some may have perished.
- Saudi Arabia and Jordan have voiced disapproval of Itamar Ben-Gvir's visit to Al Aqsa Mosque, labeling it provocative.
- The Middle East news reveals that Egypt, Jordan, and several other countries have expressed support for delivering aid to Gaza, only if it ensures fair distribution to all areas.
- In science and health-and-wellness news, Israel has allowed a delivery of fuel to Gaza and is considering ending air strikes and opening permanent humanitarian corridors as a condition for this aid delivery.
- Heavy violence over the past week has resulted in the deaths of at least 70 Palestinians, creating an urgent need for a political solution to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
- As the hostage crisis deepens, the United Nations has once again called for the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages and highlighted the importance of a political solution to ensure lasting peace and security.
- Recently,, a video emerged showing emaciated captives, sparking international outcry.
- In a drastic move, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pursuing the release of hostages through decisive military action, according to local media sources, raising concerns about potential war-and-conflicts related casualties and deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
