Israel slams Red Cross for approach in Gaza amid released hostage's poor condition

Israel insists that the Red Cross has a responsibility to check on the remaining hostages in Gaza under its agreement with Hamas in light of several released hostages having had to receive urgent care due to severe medical neglect.

As reported by CBC News, Israel estimates about 150 hostages are still in Gaza, predominantly men, who are not considered for release in the ongoing agreements. #

While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the exchange deal would allow the Red Cross access to check on all hostages, the organization says the necessary agreements and measures aren't in place.

"The Red Cross should demand, and demand and demand," said a senior Israeli official in a briefing with foreign media on Wednesday afternoon.

Hisham Mhanna, a spokesperson for the Red Cross, said the organization must remain a neutral intermediary between the warring parties.

"We remain ready to start [checking on the welfare of hostages] … once both parties agree on allowing us to perform our duties", Mhanna said in a phone interview from southern Gaza.

An 84-year-old Israeli woman, who was released from Hamas captivity under the hostage deal this past week, had to be rushed to hospital upon arrival in Israel as her condition was deteriorating, with her body temperature having dropped to a life-threatening 28 degrees Celsius. Doctors evaluated her condition as serious, noting that she was not given the necessary medications which led to severe neglect.

Elma Avraham's daughter has voiced loud criticism of the Red Cross for not having visited her during her time captive, as well as for refusing to organize the delivery of medication to her into Gaza which her daughter had passed on to the organization. "My mother didn't have to return this way", her daughter urged.