What’s happening:

Israel is set to present a confidential medical report to Mirjana Spoljaric, the president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), detailing the harsh conditions faced by hostages previously held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Why it matters:

The report is critical as it sheds light on the medical and humanitarian neglect experienced by the hostages during their captivity, including insufficient food, medicine, and medical care. This information is significant for humanitarian organizations and may influence international perspectives on the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The big picture:

Spoljaric’s visit follows her trip to Gaza and is part of a broader itinerary that includes discussions with top Israeli officials and families of the hostages. The report aims to underscore the urgency of granting medical access and information about the current hostages still under Hamas control.

Context:

The ICRC plays a vital role in conflict zones, advocating for the humane treatment of all individuals deprived of liberty. The visit and report come at a time when Israel is scrutinizing the Red Cross’s actions during the conflict, especially their efforts, or lack thereof, to assist hostages in Gaza.

Between the lines:

During her Gaza visit, Spoljaric highlighted the plight of the civilian population and the dire state of medical facilities. However, her brief mention of the hostages, equating their situation with Palestinian detainees in Israel, has sparked criticism from Israeli authorities seeking more focused attention on the hostages’ predicament.

What’s next:

The ICRC president’s visit to Israel and the presentation of the report may prompt renewed international dialogue on the humanitarian issues in the Gaza Strip and the treatment of detainees on all sides of the conflict.

This story was first published on ynetnews.com.