The president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has emphasized the need for enhanced security measures in future hostage releases in Gaza. This statement comes after the release of seven captives on Thursday, which drew criticism from the Israeli prime minister for the conditions under which the hostages were escorted.
Footage from the release showed two Israeli hostages and five Thai hostages being led through a large crowd by armed militants in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. An eighth captive was released separately earlier in the same day.
The ICRC, which has facilitated multiple rounds of hostage releases in Gaza since January 19 as part of a ceasefire and release deal between Israel and Hamas, expressed relief that more individuals have been safely returned home. However, the organization stressed the importance of all parties upholding their agreements and ensuring that future operations are conducted in a safe and dignified manner.
The ICRC's Mirjana Spoljaric highlighted the necessity of assuring the security of such operations and called for improvements in the future. The organization emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of all individuals involved, particularly those being released.
According to the ICRC, the organization does not have control over the timing, location, or surrounding environment of the releases, as these details are decided by the parties themselves. The ICRC's focus during the release process is on ensuring the safe and secure transfer of those under its care.
