JERUSALEM, Israel – The president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, ICRC, has urged all parties involved in hostage releases in Gaza to ensure that future operations take place in a “safe and dignified manner” after the Israeli prime minister condemned the chaotic scenes during a recent release.
Mirjana Spoljaric, the ICRC’s president, called for “improvements in the future” following the release of seven hostages on Thursday, January 30, 2025.
Footage from Khan Younis in southern Gaza showed two Israeli and five Thai hostages being escorted through a large crowd by armed Palestinian militants.
An eighth captive had been released separately earlier in the day.
“We are relieved that more people have been safely returned home,” Spoljaric said in a statement.
“However, today’s conditions underscore the importance of all parties upholding their agreements and ensuring operations take place in a safe and dignified manner. The security of these operations must be assured, and we urge for improvements in the future.”
The ICRC has facilitated multiple rounds of hostage releases in Gaza since January 19, when the first phase of a ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas came into effect.
The organisation said it does not control the timing, location, or surrounding conditions of the releases, as these details are determined by the involved parties.
“Throughout the release process, the ICRC’s focus is on ensuring the safe and secure transfers of those in its care,” the statement said.
Netanyahu Condemns Hostage Handover Conditions
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reacted sharply to the events in Gaza, warning against putting Israeli hostages at risk and insisting that Israel would not tolerate any breaches of the agreement.
“During the release of our hostages today, we all saw shocking sights. We made it clear to the mediators that we are not willing to accept any risk to our hostages,” Netanyahu said in a statement released by his office on Thursday.
“We will not accept violations of the agreement,” he added.
Following the chaotic scenes, Israeli authorities initially delayed the scheduled release of 110 Palestinian prisoners but later proceeded with their release in the early evening.
The hostage releases are part of ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hamas, facilitated by international mediators, in an effort to ease tensions and secure the return of more captives.
The ICRC has continued to stress the need for all sides to uphold their commitments and prioritise the safety of those involved in future operations.
