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  Supporting the beloved of God

  Correspondent for Israel and the Palestinian Territories

There are still 134 Israeli hostages being held in Gaza. It is unclear how they are doing and who is still alive. Relatives and friends are very concerned about the health of their loved ones, and there are weekly demonstrations against the government because they believe it is not doing much to free the hostages.

But the anger is not limited to the Israeli government only. The Red Cross is also under fire in Israel. They believe the relief organization is doing little to visit the hostages and provide medical assistance.

Doron Zixer’s 20-year-old stepson is among the hostages still being held in Gaza. Dexer is at a meeting in downtown Tel Aviv, in a square now called “Hostage Square.” Hundreds of people gather there daily to take action, express their support, or find comfort. “The Red Cross did not do anything for the hostages, and did not visit them even once,” Dexer says. “I really think they can do a lot to help these people.”

Only the hostages who are now released end up with the Red Cross. The relief organization takes them from Hamas and then transports them to Israel. That’s why many Israelis sarcastically call the Red Cross “Hamas’ taxi service.” Zexer thinks so too. “All they are doing is transferring the hostages to Israel,” he says. “But we don’t need the Red Cross to do that.”

Sarah Davies is a spokeswoman for the Red Cross in Jerusalem and says the relief organization is doing what it can, but is dependent on Hamas. “We need an agreement between Israel and Hamas to make more efforts. There are many challenges, it is a conflict zone and we do not know where the hostages are being held. We cannot knock on the door or do things that might only exacerbate the situation.” “It affects the hostages,” says Davis. Which increases their exposure to danger.

But many people on the ground don’t believe the Red Cross is doing all it can. Some even believe that anti-Semitism is the reason the relief organization has not visited the hostages yet. “I don’t think they’re doing what they can,” says one woman who came to express her support. “They’re not doing anything and I think it’s because we’re Jewish, because we’re Israel. I can’t believe what they’re doing.” They say.” Dixer also thinks the same way: “It’s anti-Semitism, because it’s about the Jewish people. This is the only reason they have not reached the hostages yet.”

Hagai Levin is the head of the hostage organization’s medical team. He realizes that the Red Cross cannot simply go to the hostages, but he believes the organization can do more. “They are, of course, neutral on this matter and we respect that,” Levin says. “But it is also their job to speak out about the situation, including Hamas’ violation of humanitarian laws.”

But the Red Cross is cautious with such statements, because the relief organization is also in direct discussions with Hamas to see what is possible. “I can’t comment on the content of those conversations, but we’re doing our best behind the scenes,” Davis says. “We are in Qatar and talking with Hamas. But we know from experience that it is better not to share this essential information. We understand the frustration among the families and friends of the hostages about this matter, they want more transparency. But we are doing what is really needed.” we can.”