Hamas has charged Israel with starvation of civilians and detainees in Gaza, alleging hostages held by them are experiencing similar deprivations to all Palestinians across the territory. Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida claimed Israeli captives in Gaza “eat what our fighters and all our people eat,” with no special privileges due to what he described as an Israeli siege on Gaza. (Wall Street Journal; Al Jazeera +5; IRNA English) Hamas stated its willingness to cooperate with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), provided humanitarian corridors are permanently opened across Gaza and Israeli airstrikes cease during aid deliveries. They stressed this is essential if food and medicine can reach captives. Al Jazeera (+1 TIME). Hamas’ statements come amid growing international concern over Gaza’s deepening famine. Independent monitors, including UN and aid agencies, confirm that shortage-driven malnutrition has reached crisis levels resulting in 180 starvation deaths since June – half of them children. The International Committee of the Red Cross has expressed shock over recently released videos depicting malnourished hostages, and has demanded access to detainees held in Israeli detention sites since October 7th 2023. (Wall Street Journal +2 mes Al Jazeera +2 TIME). Israel authorities remain in denial about Hamas’ claims. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office has dismissed allegations that captives are starving to death as propaganda; furthermore, in a social media post from him recently he accused Hamas of fabricating “lie of starvation.” Al Jazeera Independent observers note that Hamas’ video release showing a hostage digging his own grave and tracking scarce meals has increased international pressure against Israel and triggered protests domestically as well as brought wider awareness to humanitarian conditions in Gaza. Hamas also points to Israel’s broader blockade that has restricted humanitarian aid in Gaza since March 2, 2025, effectively leading to widespread famine. Multiple international agencies–including Human Rights Watch, UN officials, and Amnesty International–have warned that Israel’s blockade paired with repeated airstrikes targeting food supply infrastructure constitutes war crimes. For more information about this topic please see en.wikipedia.org (+1 for better results) en wikipedia Hamas has accused Israeli leadership of orchestrating a starvation strategy targeting hostages, using starvation as a weapon itself. Meanwhile, Israel holds more than 10,800 Palestinian detainees who face torture, medical neglect and hunger – many of whom suffer torture as part of their detention conditions. For more information visit TRT Global at aa.com.tr +1. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has repeatedly described Gaza’s situation as an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe, calling for increased land-based aid access and an indefinite ceasefire to restore calm in Gaza. European diplomats such as Josep Borrell and UN human rights officials have also voiced this view, noting that Israel’s siege tactics likely violate international law and may amount to collective punishment or famine as a method of war. Al Jazeera +10 as reported on Wikipedia U.S. Envoy Steve Witkoff recently visited Gaza aid sites to assess conditions firsthand after reports by humanitarian organizations about massacres at aid distribution points, where Palestinian civilians have been murdered. For more details about his mission visit time.com +10 and The Guardian respectively. Families of Israeli captives shown in video clips as they suffer deterioration are pushing Prime Minister Netanyahu to prioritize their release. Their demands coincide with international pressure to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza both for hostages and Palestinian civilians alike. Wall Street Journal | Al Jazeera | AP News As the conflict enters its 22nd month, civilians and prisoners alike continue to suffer the effects of rising geopolitical tensions. Hamas’ statements stress the importance of guarantees for safe aid delivery and cessation of hostilities to address the crisis–or else it will only worsen further.
