Hamas said on Sunday (August 3) that the Israeli hostages held in Gaza will not receive special treatment or better food than its fighters or civilians. The announcement comes as hunger and humanitarian conditions worsen across the war-hit Palestinian territory.

In a statement, the Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ armed wing, said:

“(Hamas) does not intentionally starve the captives, but they eat the same food our fighters and the general public eat.”

The group blamed Israel’s blockade and military offensive for the lack of basic supplies.

“They will not receive any special privileges amid the crime of starvation and siege,” the statement added.

In recent days, three videos released by Hamas have shown two Israeli hostages. Rom Braslavski and Evyatar David in visibly weak and skeletal. The disturbing visuals have sparked public outrage in Israel and renewed global calls for a humanitarian resolution.

In one clip, Evyatar David is seen digging what he describes as his own grave, a moment that deeply upset many viewers.

Following the release of the videos, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu contacted the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). According to his office, he asked the group to provide food and urgent medical aid to the hostages.

“He requested his involvement in providing food to our hostages and... immediate medical treatment,” the Israeli PM’s office said.

The ICRC responded by saying it was “appalled by the harrowing videos” and repeated its demand for access to the captives.

In response to the ICRC’s appeal, Hamas said it would only allow Red Cross access to hostages if humanitarian corridors for food and aid are opened throughout the Gaza Strip.

Aid groups and the United Nations have said that Israeli restrictions have made it extremely difficult to bring life-saving supplies into Gaza. In some cases, aid trucks have been looted or blocked due to growing desperation and lawlessness in the region.

The emotional impact of the hostage videos has increased pressure on Netanyahu’s government to secure a ceasefire and bring the hostages home. On Saturday, Netanyahu’s office said he had spoken with the hostages’ families and was deeply affected by the images.

“The efforts to return all our hostages are ongoing,” the statement said.

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