Red Cross Under Fire ‘Obscene Ceremonies’ and Unconscionable Actions in Gaza

As Israeli hostages endure unimaginable horrors in Gaza, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is busy patting itself on the back for simply acting as a shuttle service. But behind its self-congratulation lies a brutal truth: the Red Cross has utterly failed in its humanitarian duty, allowing Hamas to turn hostage releases into grotesque propaganda spectacles.

For nearly 500 days, innocent men, women, and children have been held in Hamas’ underground dungeons suffering starvation, torture, and sexual violence. Yet, not once has the Red Cross visited a single hostage, provided proof of life, or even attempted to deliver crucial medicine. In one particularly chilling case, the Red Cross refused to accept medication for 84-year-old Elma Avraham, who spent four months in the hospital after her release due to the severe neglect she suffered in captivity.

Instead of ensuring the safety and dignity of these hostages, the Red Cross has allowed Hamas to exploit their release for propaganda purposes:

• Images show Hamas terrorists standing triumphantly atop Red Cross vehicles, brandishing weapons and cameras.

• Red Cross officials have been seen standing on stage with Hamas during hostage handovers, legitimizing their barbaric treatment.

• One Red Cross member was even caught shaking hands with a masked Hamas terrorist as hostages were paraded before the world emaciated, terrified, and abused.

The double standard is appalling. While the Red Cross has openly condemned Israel for its treatment of Palestinian prisoners who are convicted terrorists, not innocent civilians it has remained silent as Hamas turns hostage releases into a circus of humiliation and abuse.

This is not an isolated failure. The Red Cross has a long history of neglecting Jewish lives. The organization admitted to its disgraceful inaction during the Holocaust, excusing its refusal to intervene by claiming the Nazis denied them access just as Hamas is doing today. The same shameful cycle continues.

For years, the Red Cross has ignored:

• The bodies of Israeli soldiers, including Hadar Goldin, held hostage since 2014.

• Two mentally ill Israeli civilians, Avner Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, who have been captive for nearly a decade.

• The six-year captivity of IDF soldier Gilad Shalit, during which the Red Cross never once attempted to visit or aid him.

Meanwhile, overwhelming evidence proves Hamas is using hospitals and UN sites as terrorist bases yet the Red Cross conveniently looks the other way.

The United States is the largest donor to the Red Cross, contributing $550 million in 2023 alone. That funding must stop. President Trump’s first Executive Order explicitly stated that no U.S. foreign aid should be allocated in ways that undermine American interests. Given the Red Cross’ shameful abandonment of hostages including American citizens it is time to cut off funding entirely until the organization is held accountable.

Instead of financing an organization complicit in Hamas’ atrocities, that money should be redirected to help the families of the hostages the Red Cross has abandoned. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for updates to demand accountability.