ICRC officer on the role of Red Cross when ensuring hostages

The difficulties in hostage transmissions

Geisel translations should occur in a calm, safe and worthy way. We have consistently handed this message to everyone involved – the mediators, the parties and all those responsible. Unfortunately, logistics, security agreements and public optics that surround these transfers go outside of our control. While we insist on certain criteria and parameters, it is ultimately the responsibility of the parties to determine the conflict, the time, the place and the visibility of hostages. Our place is not on a stage; Our role is strictly humanitarian: to facilitate transmissions to enable medical care and to ensure that the hostages are safely reunited with their relatives. But ultimately, when the choice comes home between imperfect conditions or safely, we choose the latter every time and will continue to do so.

The safe return of hostages is not achieved through public pressure, but by silence, persistent humanitarian efforts and by maintaining political neutrality. Neutrality does not mean indifference. It enables us to be present in some of the most dangerous and heartbreaking conflicts in the world and to help the needy. A neutrality with complicity means misunderstood the realities of our humanitarian work.

Omer Shem Tov, Eliya Cohen and Omer Wenkert, which have been held in Gaza since the fatal attack on October 7, 2023, are published as part of a ceasefire and a hostage of a hostage agreement between Hamas and Israel in Nuseeirat, Central Gaza Strip, 22nd February, 2025.

Discretion is often misunderstood at a time when the pronouncement is considered moral courage. However, our silent, discreet diplomacy is often more effective than public statements that can be rejected as a political attitude. While pronouncing may be able to meet public requirements without strategic consideration, this can ultimately cost life by endangering access to the needy. Our actions prioritize the results from rhetoric, since saving life is more important than statements.

True solidarity requires a variety of action, with every actor playing a role in achieving something bigger.

We also don't remain silent how important it is. From the first day we condemned the hostage host as illegal and unacceptable that require immediate and unconditional release. We are directly and confidential with Hamas and all parties and ask you to maintain humanitarian principles and to respect the war laws.

Since October 7, 2023, however, we have been denied access to the hostages held in Gaza. Our access is not automatic; It depends entirely on the consent of the detainees. We continue to urge access to access through direct and confidential negotiations – including access to Palestinian prisoners, which we have not been able to visit for 15 months. However, if the access is rejected, responsibility lies exclusively with the authorities – not with us.

For the waiting time of the families, uncertainty is an unbearable agony. We do not take their pain easily. Every day we work relentlessly behind the scenes to bring answers, bring hope – to bring your loved ones home.

We welcome feedback that are rooted in real humanitarian concern. But words and stories have to be shaped responsibly. Harmful information and disinformation have real consequences. It can help workers, disrupt humanitarian operations and the most tragic damage to those who suffer the most.

Our priority is to save life – not politics, optics or public recognition. We will continue to work relentlessly, even if our efforts become invisible. Because every life we can save, every family that we can combine again, and at any moment of suffering that we can facilitate, it is worth it. ■

Julien Lerisson is the head of the delegation for the ICRC in Israel and the occupied areas. Previously, he was based in Geneva as deputy operating director of the ICRC.

ICRC officer on the role of Red Cross when ensuring hostages

The difficulties in hostage transmissions

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