Red Cross’s Role in Gaza Hostage Exchanges and Diplomacy

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has played a vital role in the exchanges of hostages in Gaza for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. Since the Gaza conflict began over two years ago, the ICRC has facilitated the safe transport of hundreds of detainees during negotiated truces. Beyond visible operations, the organisation undertakes crucial diplomatic work behind the scenes to ensure the humane treatment and protection of those affected by armed conflict.

ICRC’s Humanitarian Mission and Neutrality

The ICRC describes itself as a neutral and independent humanitarian organisation. This neutrality allows it to operate safely in conflict zones and engage with all parties involved. Its mandate includes protecting people affected by war and ensuring compliance with international humanitarian law. Neutrality is essential to maintain trust with conflicting parties, enabling the ICRC to carry out sensitive tasks such as hostage exchanges without favouring either side.

Hostage-Prisoner Exchanges in Gaza Conflict

Since the war’s outbreak, the ICRC has coordinated two major hostage-prisoner exchanges during ceasefires in November 2023 and January 2025. These delicate operations require careful negotiation and logistical support. The ICRC’s involvement ensures safe transfer and protection of hostages and detainees during vulnerable moments. The organisation’s discreet diplomatic efforts underpin these exchanges, often conducted away from public scrutiny.

Challenges and Criticism Faced by ICRC

The ICRC has faced criticism from both Israeli and Palestinian communities. Some Israeli families accuse the organisation of not visiting hostages in captivity or doing enough for their release. The ICRC states it lacked access to hostage locations and conducted much work confidentially. Similarly, Palestinians detained in Israel since October 2023 have not been visited due to denied permissions. However, the ICRC engaged with over 1,250 detainees released in exchanges to monitor their treatment and detention conditions.

Diplomatic Work Behind the Scenes

The ICRC emphasises that its confidential diplomatic efforts are key to humanitarian success. By engaging privately with all parties, the organisation encourages adherence to the laws of war without public denunciations. This approach allows the ICRC to influence conduct and maintain dialogue even in highly divisive conflicts. According to Julien Lerisson, head of the ICRC delegation in Israel and occupied territories, such quiet diplomacy is what makes humanitarian work possible.

Complexities of Hostage Release Ceremonies

During the January 2025 ceasefire, Hamas staged public ceremonies involving released hostages, which drew international criticism. Hamas used these events to project strength despite its weakened position. The ICRC continued with releases despite difficult scenes to avoid endangering hostages forced to participate or those still awaiting release. This marks the complex ethical and operational challenges the ICRC faces in conflict zones.

Calls for Sustained Ceasefire and Humanitarian Aid

ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger welcomed the ceasefire agreement and urged all parties to honour it. She stressed that release operations must be conducted safely and with dignity. The urgent resumption of humanitarian aid at full capacity is critical to alleviate suffering. The ICRC’s appeal puts stress on the fragile nature of peace efforts and the life-saving importance of continued humanitarian access.