The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has called on Israel and Hamas to urgently negotiate an agreement that would permit the delivery of critical humanitarian assistance and enable communication with captives held in Gaza. In a statement reported by Al Jazeera, the ICRC emphasized its readiness to facilitate the transfer of medicine, food, and messages from families—but stressed that such efforts require a prior deal between the warring parties.
“Only a lasting agreement can end the suffering endured by hostages and their families, as well as the millions in Gaza struggling to survive,” the organization stated. The ICRC highlighted the rapidly deteriorating conditions in Gaza, where acute food shortages, lack of clean water, and insufficient medical supplies have pushed civilians to the brink of survival.
A Race Against Time
The ICRC issued a dire warning, declaring that “the window for saving lives in Gaza is closing” and demanding immediate action. With hunger and disease spreading, the group stressed that civilians must have uninterrupted access to food, water, and medical supplies to live with basic dignity.
As international pressure mounts, the ICRC’s appeal adds to growing calls for a ceasefire and sustained humanitarian access. With no agreement in sight, time is running out for Gaza’s civilian population—raising urgent questions about whether global leaders will act before it’s too late.