The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has said it is ready to act as a neutral mediator in the exchange of hostages held in Gaza and detainees in Israel, as the humanitarian crisis in the region deepens.
In a statement released on Monday, the organisation’s president, Mirjana Spoljaric, called for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, describing it as “critical to saving lives and breaking the cycle of death and destruction.”
“The ICRC is ready to facilitate the release of hostages and detainees,” she said. “We are also prepared to bring aid into Gaza and distribute it safely to civilians in desperate need.”
Since the conflict escalated in October 2023, the Red Cross has helped secure the release of 148 hostages and 1,931 detainees, as well as the return of several human remains, according to figures shared by the organisation.
Mounting Humanitarian Pressure
Conditions in Gaza have deteriorated sharply after months of bombardment and restricted access to aid. The United Nations and major humanitarian groups have repeatedly warned of famine-like conditions, with food, water, and medical supplies running dangerously low.
Images from Reuters and other agencies show children pleading for food in Gaza’s streets, scenes that have drawn international alarm.
ICRC officials say they are ready to expand their operations once safe corridors are guaranteed. “Access and security are essential,” one field representative said. “We cannot help civilians if the fighting continues unchecked.”
Calls for Political Will
Diplomatic efforts to revive talks between Israel and Hamas have so far stalled, with both sides trading blame over ceasefire terms. Aid groups say only a sustained halt in hostilities will allow meaningful relief to reach Gaza’s 2.3 million residents.
For the Red Cross, the mission remains humanitarian, not political. As Ms Spoljaric put it: “Our sole purpose is to protect human life and dignity — no matter where or who people are.”
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