What’s new:

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has been instrumental in the recent release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, showcasing its delicate and pivotal role in conflict zones.

Why it matters:

The ICRC’s involvement is crucial for facilitating humanitarian relief and ensuring the safe return of hostages to their families. Their impartiality allows them to operate where trust is scarce between conflicting parties, making them an essential actor in international humanitarian efforts.

The details:

Following a massive attack on Israel on October 7, Hamas took approximately 240 people hostage and brought them to Gaza. The ICRC has been in contact with Hamas since then, advocating for the release of the hostages or, at a minimum, access for the ICRC to visit them. To date, 58 hostages, including 40 Israelis and 12 Thais, have been safely handed over to the ICRC.

Between the lines:

While the ICRC was not involved in the negotiation of the release terms, they were prepared to aid in the release process. The organization has faced criticism from Israel for not intervening more aggressively; however, the ICRC maintains that it cannot force its way into hostage locations and must work within the confines of what is permitted by both sides of the conflict.

ICRC’s mission:

Under the Geneva Conventions, the ICRC’s mission includes visiting hostages, delivering medical supplies, and providing updates to families. Their unarmed status and reliance on the trust of warring parties underscore the delicate nature of their operations.

Historical context:

The ICRC’s current efforts in Gaza are part of a long history of humanitarian work, dating back to the two world wars. The organization has maintained its essential role in tracing the dead and missing, visiting prisoners of war, and facilitating communication between POWs and their families.

Broader impact:

The ICRC’s work extends beyond the Israel-Gaza context, having been involved in similar operations worldwide, including facilitating prisoner releases in Yemen and supporting families affected by the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

The bottom line:

The ICRC continues to navigate the complexities of modern warfare, where traditional armies are often replaced by armed militias, and civilians are increasingly at risk. Their unwavering aim is to bring news of missing loved ones and, if possible, to reunite families torn apart by war.

This story was first published on bbc.com.