Red Cross Critiques Handling of Hostage Release Operations

The Red Cross has expressed concern over the management of hostage release operations by Hamas, especially after the Israeli military reported a mismatch with one returned body. Criticism centers on the lack of dignity and privacy in these processes, with an appeal for better handling moving forward.

The Red Cross has voiced its dissatisfaction with the handling of hostage release operations conducted by Hamas, according to a statement made to Reuters on Friday.

The critique comes after the Israeli military revealed that one of the returned bodies did not correspond to any of the hostages being held in Gaza. Among the four bodies returned on Thursday, two were identified as infant Kfir Bibas and his four-year-old brother Ariel. The third body, which was expected to be their mother, Shiri, was found not to correspond to any known hostage and remained unidentified.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) clarified in a statement that the examination of such bodies is not within their remit but is the responsibility of the involved parties. The organization highlighted its concern over the operations' lack of privacy and dignity and called for improved conduct in future exchanges.