Red Cross is 'increasingly concerned' about Hamas' ceremonies for releasing Israeli hostages

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) stated on Saturday that it is “increasingly concerned” about the terrorist organization Hamas’ propaganda ceremonies during the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. 

“The ICRC is prepared to facilitate further release operations as a humanitarian intermediary in the coming days and weeks,” the international organization stated. “The ceasefire agreement must hold so that more release operations can take place and more aid can enter Gaza,” it continued. 

The Red Cross also demands that Hamas offer a “dignified and private” release to the Israeli hostages. Several Israeli officials, including Israel’s former UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan, have accused the Red Cross of covering up Hamas’ crimes against Israeli civilians. 

"The Red Cross refuses to publicly condemn Hamas, which even denies access to the hostages or the transfer of medication to them and carries out the most serious war crimes," Erdan said in January 2024.

Several pundits, including Jerusalem Post reporter Seth Frantzman, assessed that Hamas organizes propaganda ceremonies surrounding the release of the hostages to enhance its power and control over the Gaza Strip. 

Many observers in Israel and abroad have been horrified by Hamas’ humiliating and dangerous release ceremonies where the hostages are forced to be surrounded by large masses of hostile Gazans. 

Israel and its allies were especially shocked during the chaotic and dangerous release of the Israeli hostages Arbel Yehud and Gadi Moses in late January. 

"I view with utmost severity the shocking scenes during the release of our hostages. This is additional proof of the inconceivable brutality of the Hamas terrorist organization," the Israeli Prime Minister's Office (PMO) stated at the time. 

"I demand that the mediators make certain that such terrible scenes do not recur, and guarantee the safety of our hostages. Whoever dares to harm our hostages will pay the price," the PMO warned. 

Hamas has committed to releasing 33 Israeli hostages during the first phase of the internationally brokered deal between the terror group and Israel. In exchange, Israel has agreed to release around 2,000 convicted terrorists, including many with life sentences for the murder of Israeli civilians. 

Israeli hostages Eli Sharabi, Or Levy and Ohad Ben Ami, who were released on Saturday, arrived in the Jewish state in very poor condition that evoked memories of the Holocaust. 

Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon demanded the ”immediate and unconditional release" of all remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas and its allies in the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli UN envoy urged the UN Sec.-Gen. António Guterres to condemn Hamas’ crimes against Israeli hostages. Danon stated that the Israeli hostages were “tortured, starved, thin, traumatized, exhausted, and in pain,” adding that they were also “victims of a brutal and cynical spectacle orchestrated by Hamas.”

The Red Cross recently expressed outrage that convicted prisoners were released from Israeli jails handcuffed while wearing a bracelet with the phrase, "The eternal people never forget."

Zivan Frieden, spokesman for the Israel Prison Service, dismissed the criticism from the Red Cross. 

"Prison guards are dealing with the worst of Israel's enemies, and until their very last moment on Israeli soil, they will be handled under prison governance. We will not compromise on the security of our people," he said.