On October 7, 2023, Israel faced one of the darkest days in its history when approximately 6,000 Palestinians infiltrated Israeli territory. Of this number, around 3,800 were members of Hamas, UNRWA, and other terrorist organizations operating in Gaza, while roughly 2,200 Gazan civilians actively participated in the massacre. This brutal attack resulted in the deaths of 1,163 people, most of them innocent Israeli and foreign citizens, including babies, children, women, and the elderly. Among the victims were 301 IDF soldiers, 55 police officers, and 10 Shin Bet personnel who heroically defended their country against the onslaught. Additionally, over 200 Israeli hostages were abducted and taken to Gaza by Hamas.
This unspeakable tragedy shocked the world and underscored the depravity of Hamas and its accomplices. Yet, as this atrocity unfolded and its aftermath persisted, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)—an organization that claims to uphold humanitarian principles—has remained disturbingly silent. Its inaction and lack of advocacy for the Israeli hostages held by Hamas are glaring failures that highlight a disturbing double standard.
The Red Cross’ Failure to Act
The ICRC has long presented itself as a neutral and impartial guardian of international humanitarian law, committed to protecting the rights of all victims of conflict. However, when it comes to the Israeli hostages currently languishing in the tunnels and cells of Gaza, this commitment seems to have evaporated. Hamas’ actions—kidnapping civilians, holding them hostage, and denying them basic rights—represent blatant violations of the Geneva Conventions. The hostages include children, elderly individuals, and the infirm, who are being used as bargaining chips in a grotesque display of terrorism.
Despite its mandate to protect those in captivity and advocate for their humane treatment, the Red Cross has done little to nothing to hold Hamas accountable. The organization has not demanded access to the hostages, pressured Hamas to comply with international law, or even acknowledged the suffering of the hostages and their families.
The November 2023 Debacle: Playing Into Hamas’ Hands
The ICRC’s only visible involvement came in November 2023, when a small number of hostages were released by Hamas as part of a cynical prisoner exchange. During this process, the Red Cross effectively served as nothing more than a logistical arm for Hamas, transporting hostages and participating in what amounted to a propaganda victory for the terror group. Rather than standing firm and demanding the release of all hostages or pressuring Hamas to adhere to international norms, the Red Cross simply played along, allowing itself to be used as a pawn in Hamas’ games.
Since that time, the Red Cross has gone silent. There has been no public outcry, no ongoing efforts to negotiate for the hostages’ release, and no apparent action to address this humanitarian crisis. This glaring inaction not only betrays the organization’s principles but also emboldens Hamas to continue its reign of terror without consequence.
The Red Cross’ failure in this case is part of a broader pattern of bias against Israel that has plagued international organizations for years. When other conflicts arise, the ICRC is often quick to intervene, issue statements, and demand access to prisoners. Yet when the victims are Israeli, the urgency suddenly disappears.
This selective application of humanitarian principles is unacceptable and undermines the credibility of the Red Cross as a neutral actor. The organization’s refusal to stand up for the Israeli hostages in Gaza is not just a failure of duty—it is a moral abdication.
