Netanyahu Calls for Red Cross Aid as Gaza Starvation Deaths Rise

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged the International Red Cross to assist in providing food and medical care to hostages in Gaza. During a conversation on August 3, 2023, with Julien Lerisson, the regional head of the organization, Netanyahu emphasized the need for humanitarian support for the approximately 50 hostages currently held by Hamas, of whom only 20 are believed to be alive.

The situation in Gaza has become increasingly dire. Over the weekend, the health ministry reported that six more individuals have died from starvation or malnutrition, raising the total number of fatalities linked to the ongoing crisis to 175, including 93 children, since the conflict escalated. The humanitarian conditions have deteriorated significantly, with international agencies warning of a potential famine affecting the region’s 2.2 million residents.

Hostages and Humanitarian Aid Efforts

On August 2, Hamas released a video showing Israeli hostage Evyatar David, who appeared emaciated and claimed he was digging a grave for himself. This release followed a growing international outcry for action regarding the hostages and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In response to these pressures, Israel announced the allowance of fuel deliveries to the enclave, which has faced severe restrictions on aid access for months.

According to reports, 107 tons of diesel fuel were set to enter Gaza from Egypt, with additional shipments of UN fuel aimed at supporting hospitals and essential services. The Israeli military agency COGAT confirmed that over 23,000 tons of humanitarian aid had entered Gaza in the past week via 1,200 trucks. However, many of these supplies have not reached those in need due to looting and inadequate distribution.

Continued Violence and Humanitarian Challenges

The ongoing conflict has led to significant casualties on both sides. On August 3, local health authorities in Gaza reported that at least 40 people had been killed by Israeli airstrikes and gunfire. This violence has disrupted efforts to distribute aid effectively, with reports indicating that individuals attempting to reach distribution points have been targeted.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas escalated following a cross-border attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, that resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 hostages. Since then, Israeli military operations in Gaza have reportedly resulted in the deaths of over 60,000 Palestinians, according to health officials in the enclave.

As the humanitarian crisis deepens, both local and international agencies are calling for more substantial aid and intervention to prevent further loss of life. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing negotiations and efforts to address the pressing needs of the affected populations in Gaza.