In recent news about the Israel-Gaza war, the focus has been on the hostages released by Hamas. However, little attention has been given to the significant role played by an organization at the center of their handover – the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). This article aims to shed light on the delicate but crucial role of the ICRC in hostage crises and the impact it has on the parties involved.
The ICRC, easily recognized by its staff wearing distinctive white vests with its emblem, has been in contact with Hamas since it seized approximately 240 people during its massive attack on Israel on 7 October. The organization has been advocating for their release or at least for the ICRC to visit them. So far, the ICRC has successfully facilitated the release of 58 hostages, including 40 Israelis and 12 Thais. The organization was not directly involved in the negotiations for the release but was ready to assist once the terms had been agreed upon.
However, there has been criticism from Israel that the ICRC has not done more. The ICRC clarified that it cannot force its way into where the hostages are held, nor does it have access to their exact location. It is essential to understand the limitations of the Red Cross in situations like these. Their primary goal is to fulfill their traditional role under the Geneva Conventions, which includes visiting hostages, delivering medical supplies, and providing news to desperate families. However, all of these activities require the consent and cooperation of both Hamas and Israel.
One of the most critical aspects of the ICRC’s work is gaining the trust of all parties involved, as well as civilians caught in the conflict. The ICRC is an unarmed organization and relies on trust to carry out its work effectively. In addition to facilitating the release of hostages from Gaza, the ICRC has also transported Palestinian prisoners released by Israel back to their West Bank homes. This demonstrates the organization’s ability to navigate the complexities of such operations.
The ICRC’s experience in handling hostage crises extends beyond the Israel-Gaza conflict. Last year, they facilitated the release of nearly 900 prisoners in Yemen who were held by Houthi rebels and Saudi-backed government troops. This operation took extensive coordination and careful assessments of the prisoners’ health and willingness to return home.
The ICRC’s role in hostage crises is not limited to facilitating releases. They actively participate in tracing missing persons, visiting prisoners of war, checking on their welfare, and exchanging messages between POWs and their families. The ICRC’s tracing agency in Geneva currently works to help Russian and Ukrainian families affected by the ongoing conflict resulting from Russia’s invasion.
Throughout history, the ICRC has played a crucial role in visiting prominent figures and members of paramilitary groups who were imprisoned, such as Nelson Mandela in apartheid-era South Africa and prisoners in Northern Ireland before the Good Friday agreement. They have also assisted in the release of abducted or hostage individuals, including the schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram in Nigeria.
It is important to note that the ICRC’s involvement in facilitating hostage releases does not imply their participation in negotiation processes. Their role is to support and facilitate with the agreement of both parties involved.
Fabrizio Carboni, the ICRC’s regional director for the Middle East, emphasizes the profound impact of reuniting families torn apart by conflict. He reflects on the emotional toll of separation and the indescribable sense of purpose that comes with bringing people back together.
The work of the ICRC is often overlooked or misunderstood, but their contribution in hostage crises is invaluable. They serve as a mediator, facilitator, and source of support for both hostages and their families. As the Israel-Gaza war continues to unfold, it is crucial to recognize and appreciate the delicate role played by the ICRC in ensuring the well-being and safe release of hostages.
