Hostage Crisis Intensifies Amid Gaza Starvation

Videos released by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad showing severely malnourished Israeli hostages have drawn strong international condemnation and urgent demands for their unconditional release from the Red Cross, World Health Organization, and Western governments. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appealed to the Red Cross for access and assistance, likening Hamas's conduct to Nazi-era starvation, while hostages' families accused Hamas of deliberate starvation for propaganda. Hamas claims hostages are given the same food as Gazan civilians but has linked Red Cross access to Israel permanently opening humanitarian corridors for aid. Gaza is experiencing a deepening humanitarian crisis, with reports of dozens of Palestinian deaths from starvation and Israeli strikes, and civilians being killed while seeking food. Disputes persist over responsibility for starvation, as Israel accuses Hamas of diverting aid and denies culpability, while the UN and health authorities report rising malnutrition and deaths among Palestinians. The impasse over aid deliveries and hostage access has intensified as calls for a ceasefire and outside intervention grow.