Why did Netanyahu really ask the Red Cross to help get aid to hostages in Gaza? | DW News

Key Concepts:

• Hostage situation in Gaza
• Humanitarian aid crisis in Gaza
• International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) involvement
• Israeli military operations in Gaza
• Hamas's demands and leverage
• Public opinion in Israel regarding the war
• Ceasefire and hostage deal negotiations

1. Hostage Situation and ICRC Involvement:

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested the assistance of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to provide food and medical assistance to the remaining Israeli hostages held in Gaza.
• This request follows the release of video footage showing emaciated Israeli hostages held underground.
• Hamas has stated its willingness to cooperate and deliver food to the hostages if Israel agrees to open humanitarian corridors across the entire Gaza Strip.
• Netanyahu has spoken with the families of the hostages, vowing to free them and eliminate Hamas.

2. Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza:

• The Hamas-controlled health ministry in Gaza reports that at least 80 people were killed by Israeli gunfire and airstrikes on Sunday, many of whom were attempting to reach aid hubs in southern and central Gaza.
• A Red Crescent worker was killed, and three others were injured in an Israeli airstrike on the aid organization's offices in Khan Yunis, which the organization calls a "blatant breach of international law." The Red Crescent claims the building was hit repeatedly, with a second strike occurring while rescuers were evacuating people after the first strike, suggesting a deliberate attack. Israel denies knowledge of the attack.
• A UN school in Khan Yunis was reportedly hit by an Israeli strike, resulting in casualties, including the loss of family members for a 17-year-old girl named Hala. Israel had no immediate comment.
• More food was airdropped into Gaza to alleviate the hunger crisis, but residents say it is unsafe and insufficient.
• Hospital officials and eyewitnesses report that dozens of people were killed by Israeli fire at controversial aid sites on Sunday. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation's media office claims there was no gunfire near or at its sites.
• Members of the civil defense in Gaza City found a survivor under the rubble of a building that collapsed in an Israeli airstrike.

3. Perspectives and Arguments:

• Netanyahu's Perspective: Myrav Zunshine, senior analyst on Israel Palestine for the International Crisis Group, interprets Netanyahu's appeal to the Red Cross as an attempt to deflect blame for the hunger and starvation in Gaza onto Hamas and to highlight the suffering of the hostages. She argues that Netanyahu is the primary obstacle to a ceasefire and hostage deal, and his actions are motivated by political survival.
• Public Opinion in Israel: Zunshine states that a solid majority (70%) of Israelis want the war to end, including right-wing voters. She says that Israelis understand that there is no way to get the hostages back without a deal and that Netanyahu's goal of "eternal victory" is unrealistic.
• Hamas's Perspective: Hamas is using the starvation and deprivation of aid in Gaza as leverage to buy time, get more aid into the strip, and potentially influence the terms of a deal with Israel. They are demanding that around 250 trucks of aid be allowed into Gaza.
• Humanitarian Concerns: Zunshine emphasizes that regardless of a ceasefire or hostage deal, the people of Gaza need to be able to eat, and the humanitarian disaster is a major concern.

4. Key Quotes:

• Netanyahu: Determined to free the hostages and eliminate Hamas.
• Palestinian Red Crescent: Describing the attack on its headquarters as a "blatant breach of international law."
• Hala (17-year-old Gazan): "What did the children do? Children were sleeping on the bed here. They haven't done anything...They slept hungry with no food or water. You killed them."
• Myrav Zunshine: "Netanyahu's message that included the Red Cross appeal is to show that uh he is not responsible for the hunger in Gaza and for the starvation that's happening there."
• Myrav Zunshine: "Israelis understand that there's no way to get the hostages back without a deal."
• Myrav Zunshine: "The humanitarian disaster created in Gaza is something that everybody should be concerned about."

5. Technical Terms and Concepts:

• Humanitarian Corridors: Safe routes established to allow the passage of humanitarian aid and personnel into conflict zones.
• Ceasefire: A temporary or permanent cessation of hostilities.
• Hostage Deal: An agreement between conflicting parties to release hostages in exchange for certain concessions.
• Airdrops: The delivery of supplies by aircraft.

6. Logical Connections:

• The release of video footage of emaciated hostages prompted Netanyahu's request to the ICRC.
• Hamas's offer to cooperate with the ICRC is contingent on Israel opening humanitarian corridors.
• The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is being used as leverage by Hamas in negotiations with Israel.
• Public opinion in Israel is shifting towards a desire for a ceasefire and hostage deal, putting pressure on Netanyahu.

7. Synthesis/Conclusion:

The situation in Gaza is dire, characterized by a hostage crisis, a severe humanitarian crisis, and ongoing conflict. Netanyahu's request to the ICRC is viewed with skepticism, as he is seen as prioritizing his political survival over the well-being of the hostages and the people of Gaza. Public opinion in Israel is increasingly in favor of a ceasefire and hostage deal, while Hamas is using the humanitarian crisis as leverage in negotiations. The need for humanitarian aid and a resolution to the conflict is urgent.