ICRC Facilitates Hostage Handover Amid Controversy

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) played a pivotal role in the handover of deceased hostages from Hamas on Thursday, allowing families to mourn and lay their loved ones to rest with dignity. This operation followed the delivery of slain hostages Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas, and Oded Lifshitz, who were seized during the deadly October 7, 2023 attack.

The ICRC, which has faced criticism within Israel for not visiting hostages in Gaza captivity earlier and for participating in Hamas-led propaganda ceremonies, found itself in the midst of controversy again. The organization initially declined to take part in a Hamas-hosted ceremony showcasing the coffins of the slain hostages. However, reports indicated that after Hamas threatened to withhold the transfer of the bodies, an ICRC representative signed documents in a public ceremony held east of Khan Yunis in southern Gaza.

Despite the contentious nature of the event, the ICRC's statement underscored their humanitarian role, stressing that their mission was to ensure the families had the opportunity to grieve properly. “Our role today was to fulfill a vital humanitarian mission to ensure that families can mourn with dignity,” the ICRC said. The statement further emphasized that such operations should be carried out privately and with respect for both the deceased and the bereaved.

The Red Cross also reaffirmed its commitment to the humanitarian agreements under the ceasefire, maintaining that all hostage releases, whether living or deceased, must be conducted with dignity and respect.