Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally appealed to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) following the circulation of distressing videos showing emaciated hostages allegedly held in Gaza. The footage, which has gone viral on social media, has ignited widespread outrage and renewed international calls for humanitarian intervention.

The videos appear to show visibly weak and malnourished individuals, reportedly abducted during earlier escalations in the Israel-Gaza conflict. While their identities have not been independently confirmed, Israeli officials say the images reflect the deteriorating conditions under which hostages are being kept.

Netanyahu’s request urges the Red Cross to gain access to the hostages and assess their health and well-being. He called the situation “urgent and unacceptable,” emphasizing the need for neutral humanitarian organizations to step in and provide both aid and accountability.

This is not the first time Israel has asked for international mediation. However, the graphic nature of the recent footage has added emotional weight and urgency to the appeals. Many global leaders, NGOs, and human rights groups have echoed the call for transparency and immediate humanitarian access.

The Red Cross has acknowledged receiving the appeal but has yet to confirm whether access will be granted. As of now, conditions inside Gaza remain unstable, with ongoing conflict complicating aid efforts.

This development comes amid heightened tensions and continues to highlight the complex humanitarian toll of the region’s protracted conflict.

This situation underscores not just the political stakes—but the very real human cost unfolding behind the headlines.