As the hostage situation in the Israel-Hamas war remains unpredictable, a new agreement between Israel and Qatar has been signed. Both the countries have inked an agreement allowing medications to be delivered to the hostages held captive by the Hamas militant group. As per a statement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office on Friday (Jan 12), under the pact, the medicines will be delivered in the next few days.
This comes as casualties in the Gaza war continue to surge without respite to the humanitarian crisis gripping the besieged region which has been stuck in the crossfire for months.
Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum, a group that represents the hostages and kibbutz community in Israel, said, “After 98 days in Hamas tunnels, all hostages face immediate mortal danger and need life-saving medicines.”
“In addition to medicines, the hostages require also extensive medical treatment,” it added. In the wake of the October 7 assault by Hamas, a total of 240 people were held captive. As per a report, over 130 continue to remain under captivity of the Palestinian Islamist group.
The forum also demanded visual proof once the medications successfully get to the hostages, still awaiting their return to their respective countries.
The deal is crucial as the hostages, most of them elderly and with chronic illnesses, are in dire need of medications.
After the November truce between Israel and Hamas, the chances are appearing bleak for another one. Israel vows to eliminate Hamas and continues to strike Gaza to take out top Hamas leaders. The deal also comes amid the escalating conflict in the Red Sea region by Iran-backed Houthi militia.
(With inputs from agencies)
